Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
(OP)
Here's the story. This parts are made using 17-7ph sheet stock (AMS5528 or MIL-S-25043) which is cut into strips and then heat treated to TH1050 IAW Mil-H-6875. The parts are then formed using fine blanking process. The failure occured while theres parts are in opperation. They link together with one another and form a chain. We know that maximum normal opperating loads are 300 lbs and testing has shown these links failure at a minimum of 750lbs. This loading can't happen in reality because there is a weaker part which would fail first. These "links" were brand new so I can't imagine fatigue is the issue. Hardness was slightly high on the links @ Rockwell C 47. AMS 2759/3D says piece parts should be 38-44 HRC which covers heat treat of parts. AMS 5528 covers the raw material and its "responce to heat treatment" They indicate a range of 38-46 HRC. The failure surface is almost parallel with the sheet plane without necking. This is different from links that we tested. Any thoughts from the experts????





RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Thank you.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Thanks.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
You can't use the AMS hardness ranges as guarantees that your part will meet its requirements. There isn't a direct cause:effect relationship for hardness and other properties. Based on the information you provided, it seems like TVP and swall are giving good advice.
For images, try these products from ASM International:
http
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
When the parts are heat treated are they reannealed?
It may be that hte sheet was a little to hard to start with (from the temper roll pass). If this happened you would end up with CH material.
Are sample links from each lot destructivly tested for strength and elongation?
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Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
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RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Thanks for the link. I tried to look up some micrographs and I guess I need to have a subcription. Do you know of any free site that would have similar information?
Thanks.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Yes, you need a subscription. You won't find this kind of information for free.
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
I'm not sure what reannealed means. I know the material is recieved in Condition A, cut into 24" pieces and then processed to condtion TH1050 per AMS 5528. This process is as follows: 1400F for 90 mins then cool to below 60F within 1 hr, hold below 60 for not less than 30 mins. Then Age at 1050F for 1.5 hrs. We do not do destructive testing on each lot. I'm not sure if this would help since we haven't been able to recreate the observed failure mode/load.
Thanks
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
The chain is loaded under dynamic intermittent loads. A full analysis has been done and factor of saftey is above 2 given the material properties of this alloy and heat treat. I would estimate that this parts saw a max of 20-30 cycles of the maximum loading condition that I described in my initial post.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
I am talking about KIc and fracture toughness theory which can explain the fail under such low stresses if there are critical (deep/wide enough as opposed to subcritical) cracks.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
I follow what you are saying. Where would these types of cracks come from? Do you think the fine blanking process post heat treat could do this? One thing that I've observed on from macro-photos is a thin lighter line at the midplane of the sheet (almost like two sheets were laminated together). Failure appears to have propaged along this plane. Any thoughts? How would this phenomenon be generated? I'm working on getting some pictures posted somewhere.
Thanks.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
You need to look at the original sheet material, both micros and properties. If it does not have a good elongation then you may need to reanneal at 1750F before you go into the 1400F.
I suspect under annealed sheet that cracked in blanking, but it will take some work to prove that.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
You will need a site other than Eng-Tips to host your image, then link to it.
Look in the Your Reply area of this page, Step 2 Options, click the Process TGML link. This will provide the code you need to have the image displayed in this thread.
If you don't have your own site to host images, there are free ones on the Internet. For example,
http://www.imageshack.us
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
I can access those types of website from my work. I've tried and I get blocked. I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight.
Thanks.
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Typo Correction: Can't
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
This condition is a consequence of sub-optimal casting conditions and insufficient soak time before hot rolling. There is little you can do at this stage to alleviate it. The homogenization annealing times would be too long.
Michael McGuire
http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Would this be possible at a sheet thickness of .032"?
Thanks,
Mark Vose
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Ferrite is the Achilles heel of PH grades. 15-5, 13-8, and Custom 450 are better in this regard.
Michael McGuire
http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Thank you for the information. I think we're on to something. I'll post something when I get lab results. We get to see if our suspitions are correct!!!
Thanks again,
Mark Vose
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
thread330-96298
Nick
I love materials science!
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Did you find the source who provided the bad material? I wonder if my 17-7 was produced by the same company?
Mark
RE: Unexplained failure of 17-7PH sheet part
Since we were not buying this directly from a mill or even a secondary house there was no need to pull out the implements on the source...
I'd bet that 17-7 stays on the market a decent amount of time, could be very likely that the heat that made my .050" could have made your .032"
Nick
I love materials science!