M43

SSAB M43 - A Steel revolution has started

The new SSAB M43 steel can be quenched in plain water without an immediate need for tempering, and still reach exceptionally high values for hardness and impact strength. SSAB M43 is a major step in steel development. This new steel grade will make quench and press hardening a faster, simpler and more energy-efficient process with reduced impact on the environment.

A REVOLUTION EXPLAINED 

Behind the performance of SSAB M43 are a number of innovative advances in steel production. The chemical composition in combination with unique rolling parameters (patent pending) provide outstanding workshop properties. Shearing, blanking and piercing can be executed without a risk of micro-cracking, thereby avoiding more timeconsuming and expensive processing. Heat treatment results in a fully martensitic, fine-grain microstructure with an unmatched hardness to toughness ratio. Typical values are 58 HRC and 25 J/cm2 at +20°C. If an even greater toughness is needed, low-temperature tempering is enough to reach > 30 J/cm2 with hardness still at a level of 56 HRC. The steel’s self-tempering properties prevent hardening cracks when quenching in water. Aqueous quenching fluids or oil produce equally impressive results.

YOU WILL BENEFIT

SSAB M43 offers a range of benefits for both manufacturers and end users. Quenching in water instead of aqueous quenching fluids or oil is cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly. It saves energy, time and reduces CO2 emissions. End users will benefit from an extended lifetime and minimum risk of cracks or breakage thanks to the combination of high hardness and toughness.