FERRIUM® M54 Ultrahigh-Strength Steel for Structural Applications Ferrium® M54tm Chemical Composition (nominal wt. %) Fe Ferrium M54 Mechanical Properties (typical) ® Materials by Design Objective The design objective of Ferrium M54 was to create a cost effective ultra high-strength, high fracture toughness material with high resistance to stress corrosion cracking material for use in structural applications. Description Ferrium M54 is an ultra high-strength steel for structural applications. Ferrium M54 was designed to provide mechanical properties equal to, or better than ultrahigh-strength steels such as Aermet 100. Ferrium M54 has high resistance to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) over conventional ultra high-strength steels. Ferrium M54 utilizes an efficient M2C strengthening dispersion precipitated through tempering while avoiding other carbides. This maximizes strength, wear resistance, and toughness; resulting in a unique combination of mechanical properties. Ferrium M54 has high hardenability, permitting less severe quench conditions for a given section size and resulting in less distortion during heat treatment.

Processing Processing of Ferrium M54 is similar to other quench and tempered martensitic secondary-hardening steels. Vacuum heat treatment and vacuum tempering is recommended to avoid surface decarburization. After quenching to room temperature Ferrium M54 is subjected to cryogenic treatment to assure a complete martensitic transformation. Ferrium M54 is typically tempered around 960CF (516CC) and has excellent the rmal resistance approaching this temperature. This allows for higher grinding speeds without risk for grinding burns and more reliability in service. Heat treatment recommendation:...