Stainless Steel Grade AISI 440F
Stainless Steel Grade AISI 440F

AISI 440F - belongs to the martensitic group of stainless steel. It is a high-carbon stainless steel that provides excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. It is one of the most commonly used stainless steels from the AISI 440 group and is popular in various applications due to its properties.

AISI 440F has become popular primarily due to its resistance to corrosion, high strength and durability. The steel provides good resistance to corrosion in both acid and alkaline environments. It has high resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, which makes it an ideal material for marine applications.


Mechanical properties

It has excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, rigidity and wear resistance. It is also resistant to corrosion and has good strength. The tensile strength of AISI 440F stainless steel is from 620 MPa to 900 MPa, the yield strength is from 275 MPa to 725 MPa.


Physical properties

The physical properties of stainless steel include a density of 7.75 g/cm³, a melting point of 1398 °C, and an elastic modulus of 200 GPa. The steel is magnetic.


Use of stainless steel AISI 440F

It is generally used where high rigidity, strength and corrosion resistance are required. It is used in the production of bearings, valves, surgical instruments, knives and cutting tools. It is also used in the aerospace industry for the manufacture of aircraft parts and turbine rotors.


Heat treatment

It is heat treated to improve its mechanical properties. It can be hardened by heating to temperatures between 980 °C and 1065 °C and then quenched in oil or air. The heat treatment process increases its strength, rigidity and wear resistance.


Processing

One of the most important advantages of the grade is its excellent machinability. It can be easily processed by traditional methods such as turning, milling, drilling and grinding. The addition of sulfur to its composition increases its machinability.


Welding

It can be welded by various welding methods such as TIG, MIG and resistance welding. However, preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to avoid cracking and improve the weld quality.


As you can see, AISI 440F stainless steel is a high-carbon stainless steel with excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Its high hardness and strength make it suitable for a variety of applications, such as bearings, valves, surgical instruments, knives, and cutting tools. The addition of sulfur to its composition improves machinability, making it easier to process using traditional machining methods. It has good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. If you need a durable material for the aerospace or marine industries, 440F stainless steel is the best choice.


Table: chemical composition of steel grade AISI 440F

Chemical composition of steel grade AISI 440F

C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Mo Fe
0,95-1,20 <1,00 <1,25 <0,04 0,10-0,35 16,0-18,0 <0,75 0,4-0,6 Other