Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) Development of a High-Hardness Solution-Nitrided Stainless Steel

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) methodologies are effective tools to accelerate implementation of new higher performance alloys, shortening design time and at less cost than empirical methods. Using these methodologies under an ongoing US Navy SBIR project, QuesTek Innovations, LLC, has designed a new stainless steel for bearing applications. This alloy is optimized for a solution nitriding process and blends high-hardness similar to carburized alloys with stainless properties. This steel, Ferrium^®N63^TM, is a superior material for bearing and gear components operating in corrosive environments. QuesTek uses its Accelerated Insertion of Materials (AIM) techniques to rapidly prototype, scale-up, qualify, license, and insert new material solutions into numerous applications. Following this model, the development process of Ferrium N63 will be presented.