Martensitic and precipitation hardening stainless steels are heat treatable and can therefore provide hardness and strength in a wide range. Allowing to workability they are supplied in solution annealed condition. The downstream manufacturer performs final heat treatment to meet the mechanical properties required.
Martensitic grades are basically Fe-Cr alloys with a higher carbon content than ferritics which enables them to harden on cooling in air, oil or water. Depending on grade and intended use, ductility is improved by tempering.
