Maraging steel

Maraging steels (English maraging steel ( martensite = aging ) stands for maraging steel ) are a group of high-strength steels, which are known for high strength and good toughness. The virtually carbon-free alloys are alloyed with a high percentage of nickel ( > 12% ) and subjected to a special heat treatment, which technically corresponds to the tempering. However, maraging steels containing other alloying elements such as cobalt, molybdenum, aluminum, copper, niobium and titanium, among others, cause to retire in the ductile iron matrix hard intermetallic particles in finely divided form.

Maraging steels have in addition to the increased strength to good toughness at low processing and welding properties. They are used as tool steels for elevated temperature applications, such as in the form tough die-cast or plastic injection molds, as well as for the manufacture of knives and blades for sport fencing.

Examples are the hot work tool steels 1.2709 (short name: X 3 NiCoMoTi 18-9-5 ) and 1.6356 (X 2 NiCoMoTi 18-12-4 ).

Since maraging steel is used for uranium enrichment in gas centrifuges, the production, import and export of several countries like Germany is closely monitored.