EuroWire November 2016

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November 2016 13
News
Corporate
New high-strength bainitic
steel
A German steel producer has developed a unique steel with a high level of both
strength and ductility. After appropriate processing, the steel is excellent for cold
forming.
Steel prices are nowadays subject to significant fluctuations. This is mainly due to the
variable alloy surcharge which is largely dependent on the nickel content of the steel.
The new steel grade 20MnCrMo7, developed by ECM Edelstahlzieherei Mark GmbH,
contains only very small amounts of nickel, which means that long-term price stability
is guaranteed.
The bainitic steel 20MnCrMo7 not only offers price stability, but also provides
important processing advantages.
Despite the steel’s high strength, its fine granularity makes it remarkably ductile – it
is not brittle but extremely hard and exceptionally robust. In rolled or forged form, its
bainitic structure ensures a strength of 1,200-1,400 MPa and contraction at break of
over 40 per cent. No heat treatment is necessary, saving time, energy and ultimately
money. This new grade of steel is particularly economical.
The 20MnCrMo7 steel is also suitable for cold processing after suitable pre-treatment,
and is highly versatile. In a tempered state, the steel is applicable wherever particularly
high demands on the mechanical properties have to be met.
Values are reached which are rarely achieved by other steels. At low tempering
temperatures, strengths of up to almost 1,600 MPa and a notched impact strength of
more than 50 J are reached.
The response to this new development from customers in Germany and abroad has
already been extremely positive.
Dr Kai Eck, managing director of EZM Edelstahlzieherei Mark, said: “More and more
industries will benefit from the advantages of our bainitic steel. The price stability
is, of course, a very welcome benefit – and this equally applies to the advantages of
processing the steel in both an untempered and tempered state.”
“The 20MnCrMo7 steel can replace considerably more expensive and price-sensitive
case-hardening and heat-treatable steels, for example 18CrNi8, without any
compromise regarding the technological properties.”
ECM Edelstahlzieherei Mark GmbH – Germany
Website:
▲ ▲ Strength and ductility providing an excellent steel for cold forming