Stainless Steel Grade AISI 502 | EN 1.7366 | DIN X16CrMo5-1

Stainless steel AISI 502 | EN 1.7366 | DIN X16CrMo5-1 is a martensitic precipitation hardening alloy with a unique composition that provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. It is a lesser-known «*stainless steel» but has found its place in demanding applications such as aircraft components and nuclear reactors.

Physical properties

The physical properties of a material help determine its suitability for a particular application. Stainless steel AISI 502 | EN 1.7366 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³, a melting point of 1420 °C. The alloy exhibits good machinability under annealing conditions and hardens quickly, thereby improving its mechanical properties. In addition, stainless steel AISI 502 has excellent weldability and can be welded using conventional welding methods used for stainless steel.

Mechanical properties

• Modulus of elasticity: 190 - 210 GPa
• Poisson's ratio: 0.27 - 0.30

Application

Due to its excellent strength and good corrosion resistance, AISI 502 stainless steel finds its application in various industries. Its unique properties allow it to be used in components that require high strength, wear resistance and fatigue resistance. These include aerospace components such as turbine blades and jet engine shafts, nuclear reactor components such as valves and pumps, and other heavy-duty products such as gears, fasteners and shafts.

Heat treatment

Heat treatment is an important process to enable AISI 502 stainless steel to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The alloy can be annealed at temperatures between 593°C and 648°C for up to four hours, followed by air cooling to achieve maximum softness and machinability. Alternatively, the alloy can be tempered at temperatures between 482°C and 677°C to achieve various combinations of strength, toughness and flexibility.

Stainless steel AISI 502 | EN 1.7366 | DIN X16CrMo5-1 can have different levels of hardness, depending on the heat treatment. For example, in the annealed condition it can have a maximum hardness of Rc 35 and increases to Rc 50 after precipitation hardening. The tempered condition at 482 °C can reach Rc 44, and at 648 °C - Rc 38. Hardness values ​​​​vary depending on the heat treatment, and it is important to understand each value when choosing an alloy for a particular application.

In the end, AISI 502 stainless steel is ideal for applications that require high strength, wear and corrosion resistance. Its unique metal composition sets it apart from other stainless steel grades. Due to its high tensile strength, flexibility and impact resistance, this alloy finds applications in aerospace, nuclear and other harsh environments. Its excellent machinability and weldability make it easy to work with during the manufacturing process. However, the heat treatment process must be carefully considered to ensure that the desired mechanical properties are achieved. Thus, AISI 502 stainless steel does not disappoint, it is an alloy that should be used in difficult conditions where other stainless steel grades fail.

*Stainless steel is a steel that is resistant to corrosion in the atmosphere and aggressive environments and contains at least 10.5% chromium.