gerblefranklin said:I'd love to have that stuff for more than just the pedal spindles. I
somehow get the feeling that it'll be insane to machine, though, since
it'll be stronger than my cutters on the lathe. Not to mention, if it's
that exotic of an alloy, who's going to know how to heat treat it?
Carpenter Technology, maker of Aermet would know. I don't pretend to
understand the details, but I've copied a section of their online
literature below. If you're not scared away (and I would be), call
Specialty Alloys in Reading, PA for purchase information. Good luck!
Ken
Below is text copied from
[http://www.cartech.com/common/frames.html?/cartech/TechInfoIDESTranslator?code=12&leftn=sao_products&lefto=empty&lefti=sao_pl0]
Heat Treatment
Decarburization
Like other carbon bearing high strength alloys, AerMet 310 alloy is subject to decarburization during hardening. Heat treatment should take place in a neutral atmosphere furnace, salt bath or vacuum. Decarburization should be determined by comparing the surface and internal hardness of a small test cube for proper response. Metallographic determination of decarburization is not recommended for this alloy.
Normalizing
AerMet 310 alloy can be normalized by heating to 1775¡F (968¡C), holding for one hour and air cooling to room temperature. Optimum softening for machining is obtained by following the 1775¡F (968¡C) normalize with a 16 hour 1250¡F (677¡C) overage anneal.
Annealing
AerMet 310 alloy is softened by using a 1250¡F (677¡C) overage anneal for 16 hours. The optimum annealed hardness of 40 HRC maximum is obtained following this anneal.
Solution Treatment
The solution treatment temperature range is 1675¡F +/- 25¡F (913¡C +/- 14¡C) for 1 hour. The solution treatment temperature must be monitored by a thermocouple attached to the load.
Quenching
Water quenching is not recommended.
Proper quenching practice is essential for AerMet 310 alloy. The alloy should be cooled from the solution treatment temperature to 150¡F (66¡C) in 1 to 2 hours to develop optimum properties. Individual sections larger than 2" diameter or 1" thick (plate) must be quenched with oil in order to obtain 150¡F (66¡C) in 1 to 2 hours. Individual sections up to 2" diameter or 1" thick (plate) will air cool to 150¡F (66¡C) in 1 to 2 hours. The cooling rate of the furnace load must be monitored by a thermocouple attached to the hottest spot in the load to insure that the 2 hour cool to 150¡F (66¡C) is obtained.
Cold Treatment
Following cooling to room temperature, to obtain the full toughness capability, AerMet 310 alloy should be cooled to -100¡F (-73¡C) and held for 1 hour. The parts can then be air warmed.
Straightening
AerMet 310 alloy exhibits minimal size change during heat treatment; however, for some parts, mechanical straightening to compensate for distortion during heat treatment is appropriate.
Prior to straightening, a low temperature stress relief at 350/400¡F (177/204¡C) for 5 hours following the refrigeration operation will provide an optimal combination of ductility and yield strength for the mechanical straightening operation.
Age
The standard aging treatment for AerMet 310 alloy is 900¡F +/-10¡F (482¡C +/- 6¡C) for 3-8 hours. Parts made from AerMet 310 alloy should never be aged at a temperature below 875¡F (468¡C).