Method of processing maraging steel

Abstract

A method of processing a workpiece of maraging steel includes receiving a workpiece of maraging steel that has been subjected to thermomechanical processing at an austenite solutionizing temperature and then directly aging the workpiece of maraging steel at an aging temperature to form precipitates within a microstructure of the workpiece of maraging steel, without any intervening heat treatments between the thermomechanical processing and the direct aging.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This disclosure relates to maraging steel and, more particularly, to an economic method of processing maraging steel to achieve improved mechanical properties.[0002]Maraging steel grades are generally regarded as high strength steels that do not include carbon. The high strength is obtained through thermal processing to form a predominantly martensitic microstructure. For instance, maraging steels are typically solution annealed at a temperature sufficient to form an austenite phase and then cooled to room temperature to transform the austenite phase into the martensitic phase. Several solution annealing steps are typically used to provide a homogenous microstructure. The maraging steel may subsequently be aged at a lower temperature to precipitation harden the maraging steel.[0003]Although the above thermal processing is effective for obtaining the martensitic microstructure, a particular end use of the maraging steel may require other processing st...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The disclosed methods of processing a workpiece of maraging steel are intended to provide economic processing and improved mechanical properties.

Problems solved by technology

Although the above thermal processing is effective for obtaining the martensitic microstructure, a particular end use of the maraging steel may require other processing steps which alter the final microstructure and mechanical properties of the maraging steel.

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