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Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel 355(UNS S35500)

1. Introduction UNS S35500, also designated as AM-355 and AISI 634, is a semi-austenitic precipitation hardening stainless steel. It integrates superior formability under austenitic state and ultra-high strength after martensitic precipitation hardening. This material overcomes the drawbacks of conventional high-strength stainless steels such as poor formability and insufficient corrosion resistance. It is widely adopted in aerospace and high-end industrial equipment for components requiring complex fabrication and reliable performance under severe service conditions. Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel UNS S35500 2. Chemical Composition & Metallurgical Mechanism Precise element proportion balances formability, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. ElementMass FractionFunctional EffectCarbon (C)0.10-0.15%Secures basic strength without impairing toughness and corrosion resistanceChromium (Cr)15.0-16.0%Forms passive film to provide fundamental anti-corrosion propertyNickel (Ni)4.0-5.0%Stabilizes austenitic structure and improves cold…

  • Product Details

1. Introduction

UNS S35500, also designated as AM-355 and AISI 634, is a semi-austenitic precipitation hardening stainless steel. It integrates superior formability under austenitic state and ultra-high strength after martensitic precipitation hardening.

This material overcomes the drawbacks of conventional high-strength stainless steels such as poor formability and insufficient corrosion resistance. It is widely adopted in aerospace and high-end industrial equipment for components requiring complex fabrication and reliable performance under severe service conditions.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel UNS S35500
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel UNS S35500

2. Chemical Composition & Metallurgical Mechanism

Precise element proportion balances formability, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

ElementMass FractionFunctional Effect
Carbon (C)0.10-0.15%Secures basic strength without impairing toughness and corrosion resistance
Chromium (Cr)15.0-16.0%Forms passive film to provide fundamental anti-corrosion property
Nickel (Ni)4.0-5.0%Stabilizes austenitic structure and improves cold workability
Molybdenum (Mo)2.5-3.25%Enhances pitting & crevice corrosion resistance and elevated-temperature strength
Manganese (Mn)0.50-1.25%Performs deoxidation and desulfurization, optimizes hot working performance
Silicon (Si)≤1.00%Deoxidizes alloy and boosts oxidation resistance

Performance is determined by precipitation hardening mechanism. The raw material presents austenitic structure with excellent cold forming capacity. After solution treatment and cooling, metastable austenite is obtained. Subsequent low-temperature aging treatment precipitates intermetallic compounds like Ni₃Mo and partially transforms microstructure into martensite, bringing remarkable promotion on strength and hardness while retaining favorable toughness.

3. Key Properties

3.1 Mechanical Properties & Physical properties

Mechanical properties of grade UNS S35500

Proof strength
Rp0.2(MPa)
Tensile strength
Rm(MPa)
Impact energy
KV(J)
Elongation at fracture
A(%)
Reduction in cross section on fracture
Z(%)
As-Heat-Treated ConditionBrinell hardness(HBW)
596(≥)972(≥)131342Solution and Aging,Annealing,Ausaging,Q+T,etc144

Physical properties of grade UNS S35500

PropertyDensity
kg/dm3
Temperature T
°C/F
Specific heat
J/kgK
Thermal conductivity
W/mK
Electric resistance
µΩ·cm
Modulus of elasticity
kN/mm2
Expansion rateTemp.
°C/°F
Creep strain limit
(10000h)
(Rp1,0)N/mm2
Creep rupture strength
(10000h)
(Rp1,0)N/mm2

168(≥)348(≥)334431Solution and Aging,Annealing,Ausaging,Q+T,etc434 988 998 416

3.2 Corrosion Resistance

Superior to quenched and tempered martensitic stainless steel, reaching the performance level of Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steel. It withstands atmospheric exposure, weak acid, salt spray and mild industrial corrosive media. Molybdenum addition greatly elevates resistance against chloride-induced pitting corrosion.

3.3 Machinability & Formability

  • Cold working: Austenitic structure under solution state supports stamping, bending, drawing and other complex forming processes
  • Welding: Compatible with conventional TIG/MIG welding. Post-weld aging restores original mechanical strength, suitable for integrated manufacturing of intricate components
  • Machining: Turning, milling and drilling are feasible after hardening. Carbide cutters are recommended for high-precision and efficient processing

4. Main Application Fields

  1. Aerospace: Compressor blades, disks, rotors and shaft parts of gas turbines; core high-temperature load-bearing engine components
  2. Industrial Equipment: High-pressure valve parts, industrial cutters, precision gears and heavy-duty fasteners
  3. Other Premium Scenarios: Offshore engineering structural parts, high-load medical devices and high-performance automotive transmission components

What are the benefits of using Stainless Steel 355 in specific environments?

Stainless steel 355 (UNS S35500) has a unique composition and properties that offer several benefits in specific environments. In the oil and gas industry, for example, its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance make it ideal for use in drilling equipment, offshore installations and pipelines. This ensures durability and reduces maintenance requirements, even in harsh conditions involving saltwater, chemicals and high pressures.

In marine environments, stainless steel 355 is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it suitable for ship parts and offshore structures that are exposed to seawater long term. Its high strength and fatigue resistance provide structural reliability in dynamic marine conditions.

Chemical processing plants benefit from this alloy’s resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. It also maintains strength and oxidation resistance at moderately elevated temperatures, making it suitable for use in reactors, heat exchangers and processing vessels.

In gas turbines and power generation applications, Stainless Steel 355 is used for components such as blades, discs and rotors, where high strength at intermediate temperatures, as well as resistance to fatigue and creep, are essential.

Lastly, the alloy’s hardness, wear resistance and ability to retain sharp edges make it ideal for industrial cutters and knives in industrial cutting tools and general engineering. Its strength and versatility also support the production of various engineered parts, including valves and structural supports.

5. Heat Treatment & Processing Guidelines

  • Solution treatment: Heat at 925-955℃ then air/oil cooling to acquire homogeneous austenitic structure
  • Aging hardening: Insulate at 480-510℃ for precipitation strengthening and martensitic transformation. Lower aging temperature gains higher hardness, while higher temperature delivers better toughness
  • Cold working strengthening: Proper cold deformation before aging further improves comprehensive mechanical performance

6. UNS S35500 Range of Our products

Product typeProductsDimensionProcessesDeliver Status
Plates/SheetsPlates/Sheets0.08-200mm(T)*W*LForging,hot rolling and cold rollingAnnealed,Solution and Aging,Q+T,ACID-WASHED,Shot Blasting
Steel BarRound Bar,Flat Bar,Square BarΦ8-1200mm*LForging,hot rolling and cold rolling,CastBlack,Rough Turning,Shot Blasting,
Coil/StripSteel Coil/Steel Strip0.03-16.0x1200mmCold-Rolled&Hot-RolledAnnealed,Solution and Aging,Q+T,ACID-WASHED,Shot Blasting
Pipes/TubesSeamless Pipes/Tubes,Welded Pipes/TubesOD:6-219mm x WT:0.5-20.0mmHot extrusion,Cold Drawn,WeldedAnnealed,Solution and Aging,Q+T,ACID-WASHED

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