Replace Nickel in steel 1

[harsuda]

Hi All,

I have been using materials with Nickel as main alloying elements like AISI 9313, 8720, 4815 etc. All these are carburising steels. In the last one year due to increase in Nikel prices in the international market (15,000 USD to 33,000 USD per ton) the prices of steel is increased by almost 70%. I was wondering whether we can replace the steel or use other alloying addition to replace Nickel. Your advise will help me a lot.

 

[metengr]

harsuda;
For material recommendations you have to provide information as to the end-use of your product. What are these steels used for in your application?

Material substitutions with either different alloy content can sometimes be done. However, your final outcome regarding end-use must be carefully evaluated to avoid failure.

 

[harsuda]

HI Metngr,
The application is in rotary tools and percussion bits. The material should withstand high fatigue application.

 

[metengr]

harsuda;
Now I understand why you need the Ni in terms of impact loading, as well. This is really not my area of expertise, but you might want to review the web site below for starters or contact them for assistance. Other members may provide additional information for you.

http://www.crucibleservice.com/eselector/general/generaltitle.html

 

[unclesyd]

You might want to look at the "S" series of tool steels, like S-5 or S7. These were the old standbys for impact tools for many years. They normally will not require carburizing.

 

[arunmrao]

metengr and others,

I was just wondering how the price rise in Ni and Mo has affected your annual maintenance budget . I have seen that replacements are being deferred Hardly any enquiries are coming my way for the heat resistant castings and user departments are shying away from putting up fresh proposals to the management for fear of losing their jobs.

I do not know much of OE scenario as I am mostly a spares /replacement guy.

In this context the sudden burst in price of Ni and Mo in International market without any rationale is having a heavy toll and it is time we seriously think of moving away from these elements or the least to say reduce our dependence on them. Perhaps it is time the academics take the call and lead us.

 

[macmil]

to arunmrao or it could be a sudden realistion in the world of the true worth of the alloying elements !! But I agree, the volatility in metal prices often makes our jobs more difficult.

 

[mcguire]

If people would stop using 304 when 201 or a ferritic would work fine, then the demand for nickel would drop significantly as would the price. It is simply ignorance on the part of stainless users that props up the nickel price.

Michael McGuire

http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/

 

[TVP]

harsuda,

There are many different steel grades suitable for carburizing. Many of them do not contain appreciable amounts of nickel. It may be possible to substitute different grades for the current 9313, 8720, etc., depending on the exact nature of the parts (geometry, thickness) and performance requirements (surface hardness, core hardness, case depth, etc.). If you provide some additional details, we may be able to make some recommendations on alternative grades that you can investigate further.

 

[dbooker630]

The rise in nickel and moly prices definitely affects the bottom line in heat treating, i.e. cost of furnace alloy.

On the product end, I have seen some efforts to replace the nickel with higher chromium and carbon. Watch the core hardness though!

 

[arunmrao]

Yes the fixtures,used in furnaces are becoming very expensive . I at times advise asking them to use 304 or straight Cr alloys.

 

[mcguire]

Arunmrao
Please start a separate thread in SS4E about replacement of high temp alloys. We're getting off the track of substitute for Ni in low alloy steel.

Michael McGuire

http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/