Latrobe,Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil/Strip

Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # Product Datasheet: Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel ## 1. Product Overview **Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC** is an advanced, aluminum-free nitriding steel engineered specifically for precision components requiring exceptional surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength. Manufactured through **Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAC-ARC)** technology, this premium-grade material delivers superior metallurgical cleanliness, dimensional stability, and predictable nitriding response. Nitralloy® N™ represents a significant advancement over conventional nitriding steels, offering improved core properties and reduced distortion during thermal processing for the most demanding aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. ## 2. Key Advantages & Characteristics - **Exceptional Nitriding Response**: Specifically formulated for optimal nitriding performance without aluminum - **Superior Surface Properties**: Achieves surface hardness of 65-72 HRC after nitriding - **Enhanced Core Toughness**: Maintains excellent core ductility and impact resistance - **Minimal Distortion**: Predictable dimensional changes during nitriding process - **Excellent Steel Cleanliness**: VAC-ARC process reduces inclusions for improved fatigue life - **Consistent Performance**: Uniform nitriding response across complex geometries - **Versatile Processing**: Suitable for gas, plasma (ion), and salt bath nitriding processes - **Improved Machinability**: Better than traditional aluminum-containing nitriding steels ## 3. Chemical Composition ### 3.1 Standard Composition (wt.%) | Element | Content Range | Typical Value | Metallurgical Function | |---------|--------------|---------------|------------------------| | Carbon (C) | 0.35-0.45 | 0.40 | Core strength, carbide formation | | Chromium (Cr) | 1.40-1.80 | 1.60 | Nitride formation, hardenability | | Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.30-0.50 | 0.40 | Secondary hardening, temper resistance | | Vanadium (V) | 0.10-0.20 | 0.15 | Nitride formation, grain refinement | | Manganese (Mn) | 0.50-0.80 | 0.65 | Hardenability, deoxidizer | | Silicon (Si) | 0.20-0.40 | 0.30 | Deoxidizer, strength | | Nickel (Ni) | 0.30-0.60 | 0.45 | Core toughness enhancement | | Aluminum (Al) | ≤0.010 | 0.005 | Intentional exclusion | | Sulfur (S) | ≤0.010 | 0.005 | Machinability control | | Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.015 | 0.010 | Impurity control | | Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance | Matrix | ### 3.2 VAC-ARC Process Benefits - **Oxygen Content**: ≤15 ppm - **Hydrogen Content**: ≤2 ppm - **Inclusion Rating**: ASTM E45 Method A, Plate 1: ≤0.5 - **Macro-Cleanliness**: Superior to conventional air-melted steels - **Homogeneity**: Excellent chemical uniformity throughout ## 4. Manufacturing Process ### 4.1 Vacuum Arc Remelting Process ``` 1. PRIMARY MELTING • Electric Arc Furnace melting • Secondary refining (Ladle Metallurgy) • Electrode preparation 2. VACUUM ARC REMELTING • Melting under high vacuum (0.1-10 Pa) • Controlled solidification parameters • Directional solidification • Reduced segregation 3. PRIMARY PROCESSING • Homogenization treatment • Hot working (forging/rolling) • Annealing for machinability • Conditioning and inspection ``` ### 4.2 Quality Control Parameters | Parameter | Specification | Test Method | |-----------|---------------|-------------| | Ultrasonic Quality | Class 1 or better | Ultrasonic inspection | | Inclusion Rating | ASTM E45, Plate 1 ≤0.5 | Microscopic examination | | Grain Size | ASTM 6-9 | ASTM E112 | | Hardness (Annealed) | 207-255 HB | Brinell hardness | | Surface Quality | Free of defects | Visual and NDT | ## 5. Physical & Mechanical Properties ### 5.1 Base Material Properties (Annealed) | Property | Value Range | Test Standard | |----------|-------------|---------------| | Hardness | 207-255 HB | ASTM E10 | | Tensile Strength | 690-860 MPa | ASTM E8 | | Yield Strength (0.2%) | 480-620 MPa | ASTM E8 | | Elongation | 18-25% | ASTM E8 | | Reduction of Area | 40-55% | ASTM E8 | | Modulus of Elasticity | 205 GPa | Calculated | | Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 | ### 5.2 Heat Treated Core Properties (Before Nitriding) | Property | Value Range | Conditions | |----------|-------------|-----------| | Hardness | 28-35 HRC | Quenched & tempered | | Ultimate Tensile Strength | 1000-1240 MPa | Core material | | Yield Strength | 830-1030 MPa | Core material | | Impact Energy | 40-60 J | Charpy V-notch | | Fatigue Strength | 450-550 MPa | R=-1, polished | ### 5.3 Nitrided Surface Properties | Property | Value Range | Nitriding Method | |----------|-------------|-----------------| | Surface Hardness | 65-72 HRC (900-1100 HV) | Gas/Plasma | | Case Depth (Total) | 0.25-0.75 mm | Adjustable | | White Layer Thickness | 5-20 μm | Controllable | | Surface Compressive Stress | -400 to -800 MPa | X-ray diffraction | | Wear Resistance | Excellent | Multiple factors | | Anti-galling Properties | Superior | Nitride layer | ### 5.4 Thermal Properties | Property | Value | Conditions | |----------|-------|-----------| | Thermal Conductivity | 42.0 W/m·K | 20°C | | Specific Heat | 460 J/kg·K | 20°C | | Thermal Expansion | 11.8×10⁻⁶/°C | 20-100°C | | Nitriding Temperature | 500-580°C | Process dependent | | Ac₁ Temperature | 735°C | Lower critical | ## 6. Nitriding Process Guidelines ### 6.1 Standard Nitriding Parameters ``` 1. PRE-NITRIDING HEAT TREATMENT • Austenitizing: 850-880°C • Quenching: Oil • Tempering: 550-650°C (above nitriding temperature) • Purpose: Establish core properties 2. NITRIDING PROCESS (Gas) • Temperature: 510-540°C • Time: 20-80 hours (depth dependent) • Atmosphere: Ammonia (NH₃) + Diluent gas • Nitrogen Potential (Kn): 1.5-3.0 • Cooling: Furnace cool under nitrogen 3. POST-NITRIDING (Optional) • Oxidation: 400-450°C in steam/air • Polishing: White layer modification • Stress Relieving: As required ``` ### 6.2 Alternative Nitriding Methods - **Plasma (Ion) Nitriding**: 450-550°C, 10-40 hours - **Salt Bath Nitriding**: 570-580°C, 1-4 hours - **Post-Oxidation**: For enhanced corrosion resistance - **Low-Temperature Nitriding**: For minimal distortion ## 7. International Standards & Specifications ### 7.1 Primary Specifications | Standard | Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------|-------| | AMS 6470 | Nitriding Steels | General specification | | AMS 2759/5 | Heat Treatment - Nitriding | Process standard | | ASTM A355 | Nitriding Steels | Chemical requirements | | SAE AMS 6470E | Nitralloy N | Material standard | | Latrobe Spec | Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC | Proprietary specification | ### 7.2 Related Standards - **AMS 2301**: Aircraft Quality Steel - **ASTM A534**: Carburizing Steels (reference) - **DIN 17211**: Nitriding Steels (Similar to 1.8550) - **ISO 683-10**: Nitriding steels ### 7.3 Industry Specifications | Industry | Standard | Application | |----------|----------|------------| | Aerospace | AMS 2759/5 | Nitriding process control | | Automotive | SAE J404 | Chemical composition | | Tool & Die | ASTM A681 | Modified applications | | General | ISO 9001 | Quality management | ## 8. Product Applications ### 8.1 Aerospace & Defense - **Aircraft Components**: Landing gear parts, actuator components, hydraulic pistons - **Jet Engine Parts**: Turbine shafts, compressor components, bearing housings - **Helicopter Components**: Rotor hubs, swashplates, transmission parts - **Missile Systems**: Guidance components, actuator mechanisms - **Military Vehicles**: Transmission gears, gun components, turret bearings ### 8.2 Automotive & Racing - **Performance Components**: Crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods - **Transmission Parts**: Gears, synchronizers, shift forks - **Engine Components**: Valves, tappets, rocker arms - **Racing Applications**: High-stress drivetrain components - **Diesel Components**: Fuel injection parts, pump components ### 8.3 Industrial Applications - **Machine Tools**: Spindles, lead screws, feed mechanisms - **Hydraulic Components**: Pump housings, valve bodies, cylinders - **Plastic Molding**: Screws, barrels, wear plates - **Textile Machinery**: Guides, rollers, wear components - **Food Processing**: Wear parts, cutting components ### 8.4 Specialized Applications - **Medical Devices**: Surgical instruments, implant tools - **Oil & Gas**: Valve components, downhole tools - **Printing Equipment**: Rolls, cylinders, gears - **Robotics**: Joint components, gears, guides - **Measurement Equipment**: Precision slides, gauges ## 9. Machining & Processing Characteristics ### 9.1 Machinability (Annealed Condition) | Operation | Recommended Parameters | Tool Material | |-----------|------------------------|---------------| | Turning | Speed: 80-140 m/min, Feed: 0.15-0.35 mm/rev | Carbide | | Milling | Speed: 90-160 m/min, Feed: 0.10-0.25 mm/tooth | Coated carbide | | Drilling | Speed: 30-50 m/min, Feed: 0.12-0.25 mm/rev | HSS-E or carbide | | Tapping | Speed: 10-20 m/min | HSS-E with coating | | Grinding | Wheel: Al₂O₃, Speed: 25-35 m/s | With coolant | ### 9.2 Post-Nitriding Operations - **Grinding**: Limited due to case depth - **Polishing**: For white layer modification - **Honing**: For dimensional correction - **Lapping**: For precision surface finish ## 10. Performance Data & Comparative Analysis ### 10.1 Comparative Nitriding Performance | Property | Nitralloy® N™ | 4140 Nitrided | Nitralloy 135 | Notes | |----------|---------------|--------------|---------------|-------| | Surface Hardness | 65-72 HRC | 50-55 HRC | 65-70 HRC | After nitriding | | Case Depth | 0.25-0.75 mm | 0.20-0.40 mm | 0.20-0.60 mm | Total depth | | Core Toughness | Excellent | Good | Fair | Charpy impact | | Distortion | Minimal | Moderate | Low | During nitriding | | White Layer Control | Excellent | Good | Good | Controllability | ### 10.2 Wear and Fatigue Performance | Test Type | Nitralloy® N™ Results | Improvement vs. Standard | |-----------|----------------------|--------------------------| | Taber Abrasion | 85-92% less wear | 30-40% better than 4140 | | Pin-on-Disk | Excellent | 3-5× improvement | | Rolling Contact Fatigue | Superior | 2-3× life improvement | | Bending Fatigue | 550-650 MPa | 20-30% improvement | | Corrosion Resistance | Good with post-oxidation | Enhanced protection | ### 10.3 Economic Advantages - **Longer Component Life**: 2-4× increase in service life - **Reduced Maintenance**: Less frequent replacement - **Improved Reliability**: Consistent performance - **Lower Total Cost**: Despite higher initial material cost ## 11. Quality Assurance & Testing ### 11.1 Standard Testing Requirements | Test | Standard | Frequency | Acceptance Criteria | |------|----------|-----------|-------------------| | Chemical Analysis | ASTM E415 | Each heat | Within specification | | Inclusion Rating | ASTM E45 | Each heat | Plate 1: ≤0.5 | | Hardness Test | ASTM E10 | Each lot | 207-255 HB | | Microstructure | Customer spec | Each lot | Uniform structure | | Dimensional Check | Per print | 100% | Within tolerance | ### 11.2 Nitriding Process Control | Parameter | Control Range | Measurement | |-----------|---------------|------------| | Surface Hardness | 65-72 HRC | Microhardness | | Case Depth | Per specification | Microhardness traverse | | White Layer | 5-20 μm | Microscopic | | Core Hardness | 28-35 HRC | Rockwell C | | Distortion | Within tolerance | Dimensional check | ### 11.3 Certifications & Documentation - **Mill Test Certificates**: EN 10204 3.1/3.2 - **Material Traceability**: Complete documentation - **Process Records**: Heat treatment documentation - **Industry Certifications**: AS9100, ISO 9001 ## 12. Technical Support & Design Guidelines ### 12.1 Design Recommendations - **Section Thickness**: Uniform sections preferred - **Fillet Radii**: Generous to reduce stress concentration - **Surface Finish**: Good finish before nitriding (Ra 0.8-1.6 μm) - **Masking**: Areas not requiring nitriding - **Stress Relief**: Before final machining ### 12.2 Application Guidelines - **Temperature Limits**: Maximum service temperature 400°C - **Load Conditions**: Excellent for wear and fatigue - **Corrosion Protection**: Post-oxidation recommended - **Lubrication**: Compatible with most lubricants ### 12.3 Failure Prevention - **Proper Heat Treatment**: Critical for optimal properties - **Surface Preparation**: Clean, oil-free surfaces - **Process Control**: Consistent nitriding parameters - **Quality Inspection**: Regular verification --- ## Technical Notice The information contained in this datasheet represents typical values and characteristics of Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC steel. Actual properties may vary depending on specific processing conditions, nitriding parameters, and component geometry. For critical applications, consultation with Latrobe technical personnel is strongly recommended. **Safety Precautions**: - Follow standard steel handling procedures - Use appropriate PPE during processing - Observe nitriding process safety requirements - Follow MSDS guidelines **Document Control**: - Document: LAT-NITRALLOY-N-DS-001 - Revision: 2.1 - Effective Date: [Current Date] - Supersedes: Revision 2.0 **Contact Information**: Latrobe Specialty Metals [Company Address] Technical Services: [Phone Number] Email: [Technical Support Email] Website: [Company Website] --- *Nitralloy® is a registered trademark of Latrobe Specialty Metals. This information is proprietary and confidential. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. For critical applications, consult factory for latest specifications and processing recommendations.* -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <5326 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe Nitralloy® N™ VAC-ARC Premium Nitriding Steel Foil/Strip -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Foil/Strip drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1797 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition