Elmax data by Bohler-Uddeholm

[BossDog]

Here is Elmax data..

General information on Elmax showing heat treat ranges for application>>15180

More specific heat treat data for Elmax>>15179


Simple word doc showing data for Elmax, M390 and N690. A place to start.>>15181

[Steven Kelly]

I have just started doing some testing with Elmax. I spent about 3 hours visiting with their metallurgist Pat, at dinner after the Blade show. Her suggestion for Elmax is to also add a cryo to the heat treat before the first temper cycle. This conflicts, I know, with some of the other steel companies philosophies, who say to do a snap temper prior to cryo. She has some very specific reasons for not doing the snap temper that make a lot of sense.
The formula I am using is as follows:

pre-heat 1200f hold 30min

stress relieve 1500f hold 30 min

Austinize 2000f soak 15min (do not over soak)

interupted air quench to below 150f

( straighten any warpage at this point. This steel is still very movable it this point)

Allow to come to room temp.

cryo

Temper 2 hrs at 390f
Temper 2 hrs at 350f

This formula can also be used without the cryo if so desired.

The results I am getting are :

as quenched 63rc

with cryo 60-61rc

w/o cryo 59-60rc

I am still experimenting with this steel and none of this is set in stone for me yet. But this should give a decent starting point for anyone just starting out with it.

[Nylund knives]

What do you think of this steel compared to the CPM steels?

It should be quite similar to s30v.

How is it to grind before/after HT compared to 154CPM?



Jakob

[Premiumsteel]

We suggest that you also try a 2100F heat treat and follow Steve's other directions; quick forced air quench (150F drop per minute), LN deep freeze and the two tempers, 390 and 350 or 390 and 365. At 2100F you should get 61-62 Rc and good toughness. Soak at 2100F for 15 minutes, not more, and get the steel into the deep freeze within 5 minutes of cooling to room temp after the quench.

Wear resistance at 62 Rc is very good. Of course if you want a very tough semi prybar you can temper at 480F and get 57-59.

[John Barker]

Can you also plate quench this steel?
-John

[Gokarr]

I am also interested in plate quenching elmax. Any word on advantages or disadvantages? I am thinking soak @ 2000 for 15 min., plate quench, temper 2x375 deg. for 2 hours? I am looking for around 59 RC. Does anyone see any big problems with that?

[BossDog]

I'd say that is in the upper range of temp needed for autenizing but your recipe should work..

[Gokarr]

Thanks Tracy. I will give it a go.