11 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for precipitation hardening stainless steel as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 precipitation hardening stainless steel manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked precipitation hardening stainless steel companies as of November, 2024: 1.TWI Ltd, 2.Daido Steel Co., Ltd．, 3.Best Stainless & Alloys.
Table of Contents
What Is Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel?
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a type of stainless steel often used in environments where high strength and corrosion resistance are required.
Alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, and manganese in precipitation hardening stainless steel improve the corrosion resistance, strength, and wear resistance of stainless steel. Very high strength and corrosion resistance can be achieved by hardening treatment at high temperatures. The crystalline structure of stainless steel is changed and a special reinforcing phase is precipitated, resulting in increased strength.
Uses of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
1. Nuclear Power Plants
Often used for control rods, nuclear fuel rods, coolant tubes, and other components.
Control rods are parts used to control the fission reaction in nuclear reactors, and are rod-shaped and several meters long. Fuel rods are the components that cause fission reactions in the reactor and generate thermal energy, and are usually cylindrical. A coolant tube is a tubular component used to cool the heat generated in the reactor.
2. Medical Devices
These include parts for artificial joints, surgical instruments, cardiac pacemakers, dental implants, etc.
3. Oil and Gas Industry
These include equipment parts for offshore oil drilling rigs, pipelines, and oil refinery plants (e.g., valves and piping).
4. Automotive Industry
Used in high performance engine parts, suspension and body parts (e.g., crankshafts, camshafts, etc.). The automotive crankshaft is one of the components that converts the vertical motion of the piston into rotational motion in an internal combustion engine. A camshaft in an automobile is one of the components that control the timing of valve opening and closing in an internal combustion engine.
5. Electronics Industry
High-precision measuring instruments and parts for semiconductor manufacturing equipment are examples. (e.g., sensors and gas distribution valves).
Gas distribution valves are used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment to supply high-purity gases through piping. Sensors are used in high-precision measuring instruments and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate.
Properties of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
The main properties of precipitation hardening stainless steel are as follows:
1. Strength
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a material with high strength. This is because precipitation hardening treatment forms fine precipitates, which increases the area of grain boundaries and strength by making crystal grains finer. The distribution of fine precipitates at the grain boundary also has the effect of strengthening the grain boundary, which also improves fatigue life.
Grain boundaries tend to have lower strength because they contain defects and amorphous regions inside the material. However, as in precipitation hardening stainless steel, the distribution of fine precipitates at the grain boundaries improves the strength of the grain boundary by consolidating the grain boundary and preventing slippage and migration at the grain boundary.
2. Corrosion Resistance
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a corrosion resistant material. The reason is the formation of an oxide film due to the high chromium content and resistance to corrosion due to alloying elements. Alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, and manganese protect the steel surface, thereby preventing corrosion. Therefore, precipitation hardening stainless steel is characterized by the same resistance to corrosion as general stainless steel.
3. Hardenability
Precipitation hardening stainless steels are generally materials with excellent hardenability. This is because precipitation hardening stainless steels can be heat treated to form precipitation hardened products.
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a solution treated (austenitized) at high temperatures and then quenched to form precipitation hardened products. Solution treatment changes the microstructure of the steel and improves hardness and strength.
4. Heat Resistance
Precipitation hardening stainless steel has excellent heat resistance. This is because the high chromium content and alloying elements form an oxide film that protects the steel surface, and the fine precipitates formed by the precipitation hardening treatment maintain the strength of the steel even under high temperatures. In addition, precipitates distributed within the grain boundaries increase the strength of the grain boundaries, which helps maintain the strength of the steel even at high temperatures.
5. Fatigue Resistance
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a steel material with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The reasons are due to "high strength," "excellent corrosion resistance," "dense crystal structure," and "excellent heat treatment performance," as follows:
The high strength results in less deformation due to fatigue, extending fatigue life. Stainless steel generally has high corrosion resistance, which can suppress fatigue cracking. Slowing down the cooling rate results in a dense crystalline structure, which suppresses fatigue cracking and improves fatigue strength. In addition, heat treatment improves fatigue strength due to the formation of fine precipitates.
Other Information on Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
1. Weldability
Precipitation hardening stainless steels are generally weldable, but it should be noted that burning and welding defects may occur. Therefore, quenching treatment and preheating are necessary as well as appropriate welding conditions. It should also be noted that welding may cause grain boundary embrittlement due to the presence of fine precipitates near the grain boundary.
2. Magnetism
SUS630 and SUS631 are magnetic materials. In the solution heat-treated state, SUS630 and SUS631 are non-magnetic. However, after precipitation hardening treatment, SUS630 and SUS631 will exhibit strong magnetism. The reason is the formation of minute magnetic regions in the material.
The precipitation hardening treatment forms precipitates in the material, and the magnetism is caused by the presence of small magnetic regions in the precipitates. These regions are a part of the material and each region is minute, but as the number of regions increases, the material as a whole becomes magnetic.
3. Difficult to Fabricate
Because of its high hardness and strength, precipitation hardening stainless steel may be more difficult to process than ordinary stainless steel. However, by selecting appropriate processing methods and conditions, machinability can be improved.
List of 11 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Finland
- Japan
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
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Penn Stainless Products, Inc.
PRECIPITATION HARDENING GRADES
Manufacturer Overview
Penn Stainless Products Inc. is a supplier and manufacturer of stainless-steel flat-rolled flat, bar, structural and tubular products. Penn Stainless Products Inc. was founded in 1949, and located in USA. Penn Stainless serves domestic and international customers in stainless, high-temperature, corrosion, Duplex and PH alloys. They offer many processed capabilities that include level, plate shear, sheet shear, plasma, HQ plasma, laserjet and dynamic waterjet, as well as machine, saw and Amada production cut.
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Goodfellow
Precipitation hardening stainless steels
Distributor Overview
Goodfellow was established in London, England in 1946. Goodfellow is a distributor of metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and compounds for scientific and academic research, manufacturing, and design industries. Goodfellow products are ISO 9001:2008 accredited. Goodfellow provides services, custom manufacturing, and standard supplies for customers. Service includes access to its knowledge base as well as technical expertise. Custom manufacturing is available for different cycles of manufacturing, precision machining forming, coating, and surface treatment. Standard supplies include access to over 150,000 in-stock advanced scientific materials.
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Daido Steel Co., Ltd．
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
Manufacturer Overview
Daido Steel Co., Ltd., originally founded in 1916 in Japan, is a manufacturer of alloy and tool steels. The company offers a wide range of products that include mechanical construction steels, superalloys used in engine components, welding wires, alloy powders, and permalloy foil. Daido Steel Co., Ltd.'s specialty steel products are used in the automotive parts, industrial machinery parts, electrical machinery parts, and welding markets. The company has diversified to include businesses in real estate, insurance, and the provision of welfare services and has expanded operations outside of Japan in North America, Asia, and Europe.
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Outokumpu
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels
Manufacturer Overview
Outokumpu, in Helsinki, Finland, in 1932 is a manufacturer of stainless steel. The company's product portfolio includes Cold rolled coil strips and sheets, Hot rolled coil strips and plates, Quarto plates, Precision strips and Specialized components. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. They have production facilities in Finland, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the UK and US and global distrubution and sales channels.
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Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc.
Precipitation Hardening (PH) Stainless Steel
Manufacturer Overview
Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc., founded in North Haven, CT, in 1924 is a manufacturer of precision metal products. The company's product portfolio includes Precision Machined Components, sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping, die casting and forging and welding and assembly services. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
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Huaxiao Stainless Steel Corporation Limited
Precipitation hardening stainless steels
Company Overview
Huaxiao Stainless Steel Corporation Limited, based in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of industrial metal products. Its product portfolio includes stainless steel coils, sheets, plates, strips, and welded pipes. The company maintains a substantial inventory of over 100,000 metric tons of stainless steel. It exports its products to more than 40 countries, including regions like Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The company serves clients in various industries, including companies like Toyota, BMW, and Samsung.
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Company Overview
Reliable Manufacturing Company (RMC) is a manufacturer and supplier of ferrous and non-ferrous metals founded in 1999 and headquartered in Shangdong, China. The company manufactures intricate precision near-net or net custom castings for metals like iron, steel, zinc, brass, and copper-based alloys. Its product portfolio includes investment, sand, shell mold, lost foam, and vacuum casting. RMC products are applied in various industries, including logistics equipment, automotive, agricultural, and construction machinery. The company offers a range of services, including metal foundry, outsourced heating, surface treatment as well as the supply of single prototype parts and complex designing.
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TOKUSHU KINZOKU EXCEL CO.,LTD.
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels
Company Overview
TOKUSHU KINZOKU EXCEL Co. Ltd. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision metal materials that was established in 1940 in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces various performance alloys designed for flexibility, durability, or magnetism. These include electrical heating alloys, soft magnetic iron steel, and shape memory alloys. The company also offers contract manufacturing for custom or industry-specific material orders. It primarily serves clients in the aerospace, digital consumer products, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors.
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Best Stainless & Alloys
17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Distributor Overview
Best Stainless & Alloys is a supplier of stainless steel and nickel alloy that is headquartered in Houston, Texas and was established in 2003. The company offers steel and nickel alloy through stock bars, alloys, and pump shaft materials. The company offers varied shapes and grades such as 17-4 PH Stainless steel bar and nitronic 60 and 50 stainless steel bar. The company also provides services lining up from honing, trepanning, heat treating, water jet machining, and plasma saw cutting. The industry markets served by the company include aerospace, marine propulsion, pump manufacturing, and valve manufacturing.
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Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TWI Ltd |
30.0%
|
| 2 | Daido Steel Co., Ltd． |
30.0%
|
| 3 | Best Stainless & Alloys |
20.0%
|
| 4 | Penn Stainless Products, Inc. |
10.0%
|
| 5 | TOKUSHU KINZOKU EXCEL CO.,LTD. |
10.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the precipitation hardening stainless steel page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Daido Steel Co., Ltd．: 12,605
- TOKUSHU KINZOKU EXCEL CO.,LTD.: 222
Newly Established Company
- RMC: 1999 (25 years ago)
- Penn Stainless Products, Inc.: 1949 (75 years ago)
- TWI Ltd: 1946 (78 years ago)
Company with a History
- Sandvik Canada, Inc.: 1862 (162 years ago)
- Daido Steel Co., Ltd．: 1916 (108 years ago)
- TOKUSHU KINZOKU EXCEL CO.,LTD.: 1940 (84 years ago)
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
2 | 22.2% |
Japan
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2 | 22.2% |
China
|
2 | 22.2% |
Sweden
|
1 | 11.1% |
Finland
|
1 | 11.1% |
United Kingdom
|
1 | 11.1% |
