How precision alloys differ from other metals

Development of high-tech industries led to rising requirements for the metals used. Now physical-mechanical characteristics of some of them must strictly match regulated norms.

Modern industry needs materials whose electrical resistance, forgeability, strength, corrosion resistance, and other parameters exactly match specified values. A natural response to such a request was release of precision alloys — alloyed metals possessing the required set of service qualities. Their main difference from other similar materials is strict conformity of chemical composition to established norms.

What kinds of precision alloys there are

Content of alloying additions, classification, marking, technical characteristics, and application areas of precision alloys are regulated by GOST 10994-74. In accordance with this document such materials divide into several main groups:

• alloys with regulated elastic properties — possess a unique ability to return to the original state after deformation; used in springs, sensing elements, and other products where shape stability under static and dynamic loads is important;
• superconducting steels — a special class of precision alloys that possess unique electrical properties at low temperatures (−269°C…+20°C); find wide application in creating cryogenic equipment as well as superconducting magnets and magnetic systems;
• materials with elevated electrical resistance — possess high ductility and elevated corrosion resistance; make it possible to manufacture wire from 0.02 mm thick having practically identical electrical resistance along its entire length; used to manufacture heating elements both for household appliances and for industrial equipment;
• metals with a specified temperature expansion coefficient — change of linear dimensions of parts from such materials when temperature rises by 1°K is strictly regulated, which makes it possible to use them in instruments and devices where measurement accuracy and operating stability under various temperature conditions are required;
• soft magnetic steels — possess high magnetic permeability, making them ideal for use in areas where good susceptibility to magnetic fields is required; used in producing transformers, induction sensors, and other devices for which minimizing energy losses is important;
• hard magnetic materials — able to retain strong magnetic fields, thanks to which they find wide application in permanent magnets, magnetic systems, and various electromechanical devices;
• thermobimetals — consist of two or more metal layers joined over the entire surface; characterized by the ability to change their shape when temperature rises or falls, making them valuable for use in various protection devices such as relays, circuit breakers, fuses, etc.

Exact conformity of chemical compositions of precision alloys to data indicated in regulatory documents is a fundamental requirement, as this makes it possible to ensure stable and predictable material properties, which is important for their successful application in various technical and scientific areas.

Where precision alloys are applied

In industry the presented alloys are used in producing high-precision parts and tools where it is necessary to ensure strict dimensional conformity and shape stability. They also find application in electronics and electrical engineering for creating components with certain electrical properties, as well as in medicine for producing medical equipment and implants.

In scientific research precision steels play a key role in creating complex experimental stands and laboratory setups. Their precise properties and unique characteristics allow scientists to conduct maximally reliable experiments and obtain reliable results. In technological processes such materials are used to create sensors, controllers, and other devices ensuring automatic control and regulation in various systems.

However, production of precision alloys is a complex and technologically demanding process. Manufacturing these materials requires strict observance of chemical formulas and melting processes, as well as careful quality control at every production stage. Today Petersburg Plant “PZPS” is the only metallurgical enterprise in Russia able to ensure a full production cycle of such materials — from melting metal to shipping the customer cold-rolled strip or wire several microns thick.

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