BÖHLER N324

BÖHLER N324 is a heat-treatable, corrosion-resistant steel with 13% Cr, 1.3% Mo and 1.2% Ni. The sulphur content of approx. 0.2% improves machinability. This steel has better corrosion resistance, hardness and toughness than standard steels with 13% Cr.
A high surface quality is required to achieve adequate corrosion resistance after hardening and tempering. A polishing and passivation treatment is recommended. Tempering above 427 °C [800 °F] leads to reduced corrosion resistance.
Products made from this steel are used for parts in general engineering and non-critical cutting and non-cutting medical applications with a hardness of up to 48/53 HRC that require resistance to wear and corrosion. Typical parts include knives, scissors, drills, screws and blades.
Grades with improved machinability should not be used for critical parts of surgical instruments and should only be considered for instrument applications if appropriate measures can be taken during manufacture to minimize the inherent limitations of this alloy class.