Custom 450® Stainless Steel Properties, Applications & Benefits
Dr. Robert Anderson
Senior Materials Scientist
Introduction to Custom 450® Stainless Steel
Custom 450® (UNS S45000) is a martensitic, precipitation-hardenable stainless steel known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength, and excellent formability. This alloy is widely used in aerospace, medical, chemical processing, and power generation industries where durability and performance are critical.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ Key Properties & Composition of Custom 450®
✔ Mechanical Performance & Heat Treatment Options
✔ Top Applications in Industry
✔ Why Choose Custom 450® Over Other Stainless Steels?
Composition & Key Properties
Custom 450® has a carefully balanced chemical composition for optimal performance:
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.00 | 16.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 5.00 | 7.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.50 | 1.00 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.25 | 1.75 |
| Carbon (C) | – | 0.05 |
Why This Matters:
- Corrosion Resistance – Comparable to 304 stainless steel but with higher strength
- High Strength – Tensile strength up to 196 ksi (1351 MPa) in H900 condition
- Excellent Ductility – Maintains good elongation (14-23%) after aging
Mechanical Properties & Heat Treatment
Custom 450® can be supplied in annealed or age-hardened conditions for different performance needs.
1. Annealed Condition (Typical)
- Tensile Strength: 142 ksi (979 MPa)
- Yield Strength: 118 ksi (814 MPa)
- Elongation: 13%
- Hardness: Rc 28
2. Age-Hardened Conditions
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | Hardness (Rc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H900 | 196 ksi (1351 MPa) | 188 ksi (1296 MPa) | 14% | 42.5 |
| H950 | 187 ksi (1289 MPa) | 184 ksi (1269 MPa) | 16% | 41.5 |
| H1150 | 142 ksi (979 MPa) | 92 ksi (634 MPa) | 23% | 28 |
🔹 Best for Aerospace: H900 offers the highest strength, while H1150 provides better ductility for forming.
Top Applications of Custom 450®
1. Aerospace & Defense
- Aircraft structural components
- Fasteners & engine mounts
2. Medical Devices
- Surgical instruments
- Implantable devices (due to biocompatibility)
3. Chemical & Power Generation
- Valves, pumps, and reactor components
- Nuclear applications
4. Industrial & Marine
- Screens for pulp & paper industry
- Marine hardware (corrosion-resistant)
Why Choose Custom 450® Over Other Stainless Steels?
| Feature | Custom 450® | 304 Stainless | 17-4PH Stainless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | |||
| Strength (H900) | 196 ksi | 75 ksi | 160 ksi |
| Machinability | Good | Excellent | Fair |
✔ Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Ideal for high-stress aerospace applications.
✔ Better Stress-Corrosion Resistance – Outperforms 410 stainless steel in harsh environments.
✔ Versatility – Can be cold worked, welded, and heat-treated for custom applications.
Conclusion: Is Custom 450® Right for Your Project?
Custom 450® (UNS S45000) is a high-performance stainless steel that excels in:
- Extreme environments (aerospace, marine, chemical)
- High-strength applications (fasteners, medical tools)
- Precision components requiring corrosion resistance
Looking for Custom 450® suppliers? Ensure compliance with AMS 5773, ASTM A564, or AMS 5863 for guaranteed quality!
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Need a Custom 450® wire or bar supplier?Contact us for expert recommendations!