Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature in Fe-18% Cr alloys, with nickel content varying between zero and 60%, and the properties obtained were correlated with the results of machinability previously obtained by the group. The alloys were also tested at 350 and 700°C in order to obtain these properties in the range of temperature compatible with the machining process. The ferritic alloy presented lower elongation and UTS (ultimate tensile strength) than austenitic alloys at room temperature and 350°C, which explains why, in the machining process, the ferritic alloy shows much greater tool life if compared to austenitic alloys (100 against 20 to 50 minutes, respectively). In the test at 350°C, the temperature reached during machining, the increase in nickel content increased the UTS of austenitic alloys, hampering the machining, and also elevated the ductility (elongation) that produces a higher volume of material adhered on the tool. This higher adhesion capacity, allied to a higher mechanical strength, explains the increase of tool wear as a function of increasing nickel content in the alloy with a consequent reduction in the life of the tool.
Stainless steel; nickel-based alloys; mechanical properties; machinability; properties at high temperatures
