Stainless 440 A

Annealing Procedure

1550-1600 F (843-871 C), followed by very slow furnace cooling.

Applications

Ball bearings and races, gage blocks, molds and dies, cutlery, valve components, knives and measuring instruments.

Cold Workability

This alloy is considered only slightly cold workable by common practices.

Forgeability

This alloy is not age

Hardening Procedure

Bring the material slowly up to 1400 F (760 C), then on to a soak temperature of 1850 F (1010 C), air or oil cool.

Hot Workability

Pre-heat to 1400 F (760 C), then bring slowly up to 1900-2200 F (1038-1204 C)before proceeding. Do not work this material below 1700 F (927 C). Cool material slowly after working and once at room temperature, anneal fully.****Pre-heat to 1400 F (760 C), then bring slowly up to 1900-2200 F (1038-1204 C) before proceeding. Do not work this material below 1700 F (927 C). Cool material slowly after working and once at room temperature, anneal fully.

Machinability

Best machined in the annealed condition. Tough, stringy chips can be best handled by the use of chip breakers. Carbide or ceramic tooling is recommended.

Principle Design Features

This is a high carbon martensitic stainless with moderate corrosion resistance good strength and the ability to obtain and keep excellent hardness (Rc 56) and wear resistance.

Tempering Procedure

For maximum properties, soak at 300 F (148 C). Maximum obtainable hardness is RC 56.

Weldability

This alloy is not commonly welded due to its tendency to air harden. If it must be welded, preheat to 500 F (260 C) and post weld treat at 1350-1400 F (732-760 C) for 6 hours followed by a slow furnace cooling to avoid cracking. Use similar filler metal and high heat inputs during operations.