Hybrid Steel® is designed to meet the demands of high-stress, elevated-temperature applications where mechanical and fatigue strength are critical. Traditionally, steels for these applications are produced by expensive small-batch processes. Hybrid Steel, however, enables high volume production at a competitive cost.
The world of steel has traditionally been divided into clearly separated categories of tool steel, stainless steel and lower alloy engineering steel. Hybrid Steel is now challenging that division, offering attractive properties from all three categories.
The secret behind
Hybrid Steel is made possible by a new alloying philosophy and a sophisticated hybrid hardening metallurgy. Our process is the first successful combination of two well-established mechanisms: secondary carbide hardening precipitation hardening. The result is a steel with three times the yield and tensile strength of conventional steel at temperatures up to 500°C.
And because Hybrid Steel develops its full properties after tempering at temperatures with very low distortion, manufacturers will be able to eliminate production steps.
For example, a component could be machined to its final dimensions in a softer condition, followed by a simple heat treatment process to achieve full strength. This approach reduces complexity and costs.
And there is more. Several other properties adds to the benefits of this remarkable breakthrough. We are in fact only starting to discover the opportunities with Hybrid Steel in many diverse areas.