In addition to stainless steel and nickel, Central Wire produces shaped wire in the specialty alloy X750. X750 is corrosion and oxidation resistant, and it is also heat tolerant up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is ideal for high temperature applications that would normally cause issues for other types of materials because it is precipitation hardened for superior performance. This multi-step hardening process changes the physical structure of the metal, allowing to become stronger than when it started. Here is a closer look at the precipitation hardening process.
Precipitation hardening uses temperature and time control to improve the mechanical properties of the alloy. As the alloy is heated, fine precipitates form within the original microstructure of the alloy. These uniformly distributed precipitates work to restrict grain boundary movement when the alloy is being deformed, thus strengthening an otherwise malleable or flexible alloy. This results in a higher yield and tensile strength, creating a product that is resilient, strong, and durable.
Precipitation hardening is a multi-step procedure that includes solution annealing, quenching, and aging. Solution annealing is the first step, and it entails dissolving any precipitates present in the alloy resulting in a homogeneous, single phase microstructure. The next step is quenching, which rapidly cools the alloy prior to the final aging step. During the final step the alloy is heated again, but to a lower temperature than the solution annealing step, resulting in evenly distributed precipitates that create a harder and stronger alloy.
When your application calls for a durable and dependable shaped wire alloy that resists high temperature and corrosive environments, rely on precipitation hardened X750 from Central Wire Industries. To learn more about our shaped wire, visit the products page on our website. For more information about X750, and its physical properties, visit our specialty alloys page.