Delaware Patent of the Month – November 2024
Carpenter Technology has once again raised the bar in material innovation with a new martensitic stainless steel alloy designed to meet the most demanding performance requirements. This groundbreaking alloy combines exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and toughness, addressing a critical need in industries ranging from aerospace to medical devices. By leveraging advanced thermal-mechanical treatments and precision composition adjustments, Carpenter Technology has created an alloy that maintains its stainless integrity while achieving a surface hardness exceeding 60 HRC—a milestone in steel technology.
The unique dual-layer design of this invention is a key differentiator. The outer carburized case, engineered for maximum hardness and wear resistance, is paired with a tough, ductile core that ensures durability and structural integrity. This innovative approach allows the material to excel in high-stress applications such as gears, actuators, and bearings, while maintaining resistance to harsh environmental conditions like salt fog and extreme heat.
Traditional high-hardness steels often compromise corrosion resistance or toughness, but Carpenter Technology’s alloy overcomes these limitations. By controlling chromium depletion and leveraging fine-grain structures resistant to coarsening, the material avoids the pitfalls of brittleness and reduced corrosion resistance seen in other alloys. Furthermore, optional elements like zirconium and tantalum enhance performance by optimizing precipitation and hardness profiles.
This new alloy not only meets but exceeds stringent industry standards for hardness, strength, and environmental durability. With applications across aerospace, defense, and medical fields, it promises to set a new standard for high-performance materials, delivering unparalleled reliability and longevity in even the most challenging environments. Carpenter Technology continues to innovate, driving forward the possibilities of advanced metallurgy to meet the needs of tomorrow’s industries today.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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