Description

446 stainless steel is a ferritic, heat-resistant stainless steel known for its high temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance. It exhibits excellent resistance to scaling in continuous service up to 1550°F (843°C). It is commonly used in high-temperature applications.

Applications

446 stainless steel finds applications in various industries including petrochemical, chemical processing, thermal processing, power generation, furnace components, and heat exchangers. It is ideal for use in environments with high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres.

Blacksmith Applications

446 stainless steel can be utilized by blacksmiths in applications such as forging tools, tongs, punches, and chisels. Its high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance make it suitable for blacksmithing operations that involve exposure to elevated temperatures.

446 Forging Temperature

Forging of 446 stainless steel should be done between 2100°F - 2300°F (1149°C - 1260°C), followed by slow cooling in air or furnace.

446 Heat Treatment

446 Annealing Temperature

Annealing is typically performed at 1550°F - 1650°F (843°C - 899°C) for a sufficient amount of time, followed by furnace cooling to obtain desired mechanical properties.

446 Normalizing Temperature

Normalizing can be carried out at 1600°F - 1750°F (871°C - 954°C) followed by air cooling. It helps in improving the material's grain structure and machinability.

446 Hardening Temperature

446 stainless steel does not undergo heat treatment for hardening purposes. Its high-temperature strength is inherent to its composition.

446 Tempering Temperature

No tempering is required for 446 stainless steel as it does not undergo hardening.

Machinability

446 stainless steel has fair to good machinability with proper tools and techniques. It is recommended to use low cutting speeds, rigid setups, and adequate coolant to achieve better results.

Weldability

446 stainless steel possesses good weldability. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment may be required to minimize the risk of cracking and to ensure the desired mechanical properties.