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Best Maraging Steel Suppliers from China
Maraging Steel
Maraging steel redefines what’s possible in ultra high strength steel performance. Unlike conventional alloys, our precisely formulated grades deliver exceptional strength without sacrificing toughness. The unique maraging steel composition, featuring nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum, creates materials that excel in aerospace, tooling, and defense applications. As a specialized maraging steel manufacturer, we maintain strict control over every batch, ensuring consistent properties across all maraging steel grades for your most demanding engineering challenges.
Maraging Steel For Sale
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Maraging Steel Plate18Ni200 Maraging Steel Plate –High-Strength Quality From A Leading Manufacturer
$32.00 -
Maraging Steel Rod18Ni200 Maraging Steel Rod Manufacturer in China – High-Strength Alloy Solutions
$31.00 -
Maraging Steel Plate18Ni250 Maraging Steel Plate – High-Strength Quality from a Leading Manufacturer
$39.00 -
Maraging Steel Rod18Ni250 Maraging Steel Rod –High-Strength Quality From A Leading Manufacturer
$38.00 -
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Maraging Steel Plate
18Ni350 Maraging Steel Plate –Premium Quality From A Trusted Manufacturer
$45.00 -
Maraging Steel Rod
18Ni350 Maraging Steel Rod – High-Strength Quality from a Leading Manufacturer
$33.00
What is Maraging Steel
The Origins and Evolution of Maraging Steel
Maraging Steel emerged in the 1950s, pioneered by metallurgists at Inco (International Nickel Company) seeking a tough, high-strength material for aerospace. Combining “martensite” and “aging,” Maraging Steel’s development hinged on a unique heat-treatment process that hardens a low-carbon martensitic structure through precipitation aging. Early grades like 18Ni Maraging Steel (250, 300) became staples in Cold War-era missile casings and aircraft components. Over time, refinements led to variants like C350 Maraging Steel, expanding its reach into tooling and sports equipment by the late 20th century.
Standards, Grades, and Classifications
Maraging Steel adheres to standards like AMS 6512 (for 250 grade), AMS 6514 (300 grade), and MIL-S-46850, defining its grades—typically 200, 250, 300, and 350—based on yield strength in ksi (e.g., Maraging Steel 300 offers ~300 ksi). Classifications focus on nickel content (e.g., 18Ni) and alloying elements, with C-series (C250, C300, C350) denoting cobalt-enhanced variants. These specs ensure Maraging Steel meets stringent aerospace and defense requirements.
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Chemical Elements and Proportions
Maraging Steel is an iron-based alloy with low carbon (0.03% max), enriched with nickel (17-19%), cobalt (7-12% in C-grades), molybdenum (3-5%), titanium (0.2-1.8%), and traces of aluminum (0.1-0.15%). For instance, Maraging Steel 300 balances 18.5% Ni, 9% Co, and 4.8% Mo, while C350 Maraging Steel boosts titanium for added strength. This composition drives its ultra-high strength through aging precipitates.
Maraging Steel Characteristics
Types of Maraging Steel
| Type | Composition | Properties | Common Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maraging Steel 250 | Ni 18%, Co 7.5%, Mo 4.8% | High toughness, good ductility | 18Ni (250), C250 |
| Maraging Steel 300 | Ni 18.5%, Co 9%, Mo 4.8% | Ultra-high strength, weldable | 18Ni (300), C300 |
| C350 Maraging Steel | Ni 18%, Co 12%, Mo 4.8% | Exceptional strength, hardness | 18Ni (350), C350 |
Chemical Properties: Behavior in Different Environments
Maraging Steel’s chemical behavior varies by environment. Here’s a table summarizing its traits:
| Property | Description | Key Elements | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate, prone to rust in wet conditions | Ni, Mo | Fair, needs coatings |
| Oxidation Resistance | Stable up to 500°C | Ni, Co | Good, not high-temp |
| Magnetism | Magnetic due to iron base | Fe | Strong |
| Heat Resistance | Loses strength above 550°C | Ti, Mo | Moderate, not for extreme |
Maraging Steel lags behind stainless steel in corrosion resistance but excels in strength-focused settings.
Physical Properties: Strength, Hardness, and Ductility
Maraging Steel’s physical prowess sets it apart. Here’s a comparison table:
| Property | Maraging Steel | Stainless Steel (304) | Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 1700-2400 MPa | 215 MPa | 880 MPa |
| Hardness | 50-60 HRC | 70-90 HRB | 36 HRC |
| Ductility | 6-12% elongation | 40% | 10% |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8.0 g/cm³ | 4.43 g/cm³ |
Maraging Steel outshines stainless in strength and hardness but trades off ductility, unlike titanium’s lightweight edge.
Applications: Industries and Uses
Maraging Steel shines in:
- Aerospace: Rocket casings, landing gear (Maraging Steel 300).
- Tooling: Die-casting molds, punches (C350 Maraging Steel).
- Defense: Missile bodies, gun barrels (18Ni Maraging Steel).
- Sports: Golf club heads, fencing blades (Maraging Steel 250).
Its ultra-high strength suits precision and durability demands.
Limitations: What to Watch Out For
Maraging Steel has drawbacks:
- Cost: Maraging steel price is steep due to nickel and cobalt, far exceeding mild steel.
- Corrosion: Poor resistance in humid or salty environments without coatings.
- Heat Sensitivity: Strength drops above 550°C, limiting high-temp use.
- Machining: Machining Maraging Steel is tough pre-aging, requiring skilled handling.
These factors restrict its use where cost or corrosion is a priority.
Corrosion Data: Resistance and Influencing Factors
Maraging Steel exhibits moderate corrosion resistance in the annealed condition but becomes more susceptible to corrosion after aging treatment. The following factors influence its corrosion behavior:
- Environment: Performs well in dry, non-corrosive environments but poorly in chloride-containing atmospheres.
- Surface Treatment: Requires protective coatings such as chrome plating, nickel plating, or specialized coatings for corrosive environments.
- Heat Treatment: Properly aged material shows better resistance to stress corrosion cracking than overaged material.
- Galvanic Coupling: Should be isolated from more noble metals to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Welding and Manufacturing
Welding Maraging Steel requires care:
- Techniques: TIG welding excels for thin sections, with aged welds retaining 90% strength.
- Best Practices: Use matching filler (e.g., 18Ni wire), anneal post-weld to restore toughness, and avoid high heat to prevent cracking.
- Manufacturing: Forging and aging at 480-510°C optimize strength, while machining Maraging Steel pre-aging reduces tool wear.
These methods ensure Maraging Steel performs at its peak.
Customer Reviews
Food Equipment Manufacturing
The Maraging Steel received from this supplier exceeded our quality expectations. The material demonstrated excellent machinability in our tooling applications and achieved the specified hardness after heat treatment. Our production efficiency improved significantly after implementing these components.
Precision Tools Manufacturing
This Maraging Steel product shows consistent properties across different batches. As a tooling manufacturer , finding reliable material suppliers is crucial. The dies made from this steel outperform our previous materials in high-stress applications.
Advanced Automotive Systems
The certified test reports accompanying each Maraging Steel shipment provide confidence in the material quality. Our enterprise relies on precise specifications for automotive components, and this supplier consistently delivers material that meets our requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Maraging Steel differ from conventional high-strength steels?
A: Unlike conventional high-strength steels that rely on carbon for hardening, Maraging Steel contains very low carbon content and achieves its strength through an aging process that forms intermetallic compounds. This results in superior toughness, better weldability, and minimal distortion during heat treatment.
Q: Can Maraging Steel be machined after aging?
A: While possible, machining Maraging Steel after aging is challenging due to its high hardness (48-58 HRC). It’s recommended to perform most machining operations in the annealed condition and only minor finishing operations after aging.
Q: Is Maraging Steel magnetic?
A: Yes, Maraging Steel is ferromagnetic in both annealed and aged conditions, making it suitable for applications requiring magnetic properties.
Q: How does the cost of Maraging Steel compare to other high-strength materials?
A: Maraging Steel is significantly more expensive than conventional alloy steels due to its high nickel and cobalt content. However, many manufacturers and distributors in China have begun producing more cost-effective versions while maintaining quality standards.
Q: What surface treatments are recommended for improving corrosion resistance?
A: Common surface treatments include chrome plating, nickel plating, nitriding, and specialized PVD coatings. The optimal treatment depends on the specific application and operating environment.
Q: How does Maraging Steel perform in cryogenic applications?
A: Maraging Steel maintains good toughness at cryogenic temperatures, making it suitable for low-temperature applications. The 250 grade typically offers the best combination of strength and low-temperature toughness.