A Better Stainless Steel

The folks at Swagelok are very excited about what is being called "one of the most significant breakthroughs in materials science in many decades." Low-Temperature Colossal Supersaturation (LTCSS) heat-treating of austenitic stainless steels allows large-scale carbon absorption and dramatically improves hardness and other performance characteristics. Carbon atoms cannot be introduced into austenitic stainless steel through heat treatment without the formation of chromium carbides. This compromises the alloy's corrosion resistance. LTCSS gets the carbon in without chromium carbide formation.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Machine Tools & Metal Working, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Machine Tools & Metal Working today.