Any steel grade has its own set of characteristics and properties. In the manufacture of any product, metallurgists try to make sure that all the required characteristics are at the maximum level. However, it is impossible to produce an alloy that is suitable for any purpose. For this reason, it is necessary to choose which parameters need to be improved in order to successfully apply the alloy in a certain direction.
General description of steels
Steel 40 x 13 is the most popular in the manufacture of knives. The characteristics of this product are best suited to create just such a product. It should be understood that the more complex the chemical composition, the more complicated and longer the processing process. In addition, the cost of the finished product will increase significantly. It is also important to know that the best steel for making knives, for example, is obtained only after heat treatment.
The main qualities of the alloy
The main characteristics of steel 40 x 13:
- One of the first and very important parameters is the high heat resistance of the material.
- The second parameter, which also plays a very important role, is resistance to various types of corrosion. This significantly increases the service life of all products that are made from this brand.
- Steel 40 x 13 refers to compounds that almost never rust.
Such a product is largely due to its high anticorrosive qualities to a complex and lengthy production process, which necessarily includes such a stage as material hardening. The result of this procedure was the complete dissolution of a substance such as carbide. This is what gives high corrosion protection.
It may happen that the resistance to this defect can be reduced. Most often this happens if the amount of carbide in the chromium is too small or if the temperature of steel melting is reduced to 600 degrees. However, with the right process, this usually does not happen.
Steel 40 x 13 is melted in special open-type furnaces. For this procedure, induction-type furnaces can be used. The process of metal melting itself occurs at a temperature of from 850 to 1100 degrees Celsius. In order to avoid cracks during strong heating, the technological operation occurs in stages, where the heating and cooling of the material alternates.
Material processing
Heat treatment of steel 40 x 13 is a procedure that largely determines the presence of positive characteristics of the alloy. After passing through this stage, the material consists of particles such as carbides, martensites, residual austenites. If during heat treatment of the alloy the temperature exceeds 1050 degrees Celsius, then more austenitic particles will form. This will lead to the fact that the hardness of steel 40x13 will decrease. If you lower the melting temperature of the metal to 450-550 degrees Celsius, then you can get such an effect as secondary hardness. This is due to the fact that at this temperature a substance begins to be released, which is called finely divided carbide.
Alloy application
The main purpose of using steel 40 x 13 is the manufacture of inexpensive, but quite durable kitchen knives. All products from such an alloy are excellent for use in domestic conditions, since it will almost never be covered with rust. In addition, it is enough just to sharpen knives that are made of this steel grade. They are very convenient to use, as well as take care of them.
The advantage of the alloy was also the fact that it is not only sharp enough to successfully cut any food, but it is also completely safe in environmental terms, which allows it to be used in the kitchen.
Another area of use of such steel is the manufacture of medical-type scalpels. It is also possible to manufacture other parts, such as springs, bearings and others. The only negative quality of this material is its low resistance to aggressive environmental conditions, as well as high temperature. For these reasons, such steel is not suitable for welding applications, for example.
Product Reviews
Steel 40 x 13 is in high demand, which is well reflected in the number of positive reviews. The main advantages of this brand are its service life. Even after sharpening, the knives will remain sharp long enough. The product is not susceptible to corrosion, which is also highly appreciated by customers. With all this, the cost of products from such a material is completely acceptable, which maximizes the demand for products among consumers.
It is noted only that it is worth handling products made from this steel carefully, since by itself it is quite flexible. For this reason, it is impossible to use a knife for processing a hard surface. It is also worth noting that storing knives and other cutting tools in moist and damp places is not worth it - this will lead to their rapid failure.