ABSTRACT
This family of stainless alloys utilizes a thermal treatment to intentionally
precipitate phases that cause a strengthening of the alloy. The principle of
precipitation hardening is that a supercooled solid solution (solution-
annealed) changes its metallurgical structure on aging. The principal
advantage is that products can be fabricated in the annealed condition and
then strengthened by a relatively low temperature (900-15008F/462-6208C)
treatment, minimizing the problems associated with high temperature
treatments. Strength levels of up to 260 ksi (tensile) can be achieved-
exceeding even those of the martensitic stainless steels-while corrosion
resistance is usually superior-approaching that of type 304 stainless steel.
Ductility is similar to corresponding martensitic grades at the same
strength level.
