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13-8 Stainless Steel Open-Die Forgings

13-8 stainless steel, or 13-8 MO stainless steel, is a martensitic stainless steel alloy with excellent strength, corrosion resistance, hardness, and high-temperature performance. 13-8 stainless steel also features good ductility and can be forged into custom shapes through the open-die forging process. Due to its outstanding properties, 13-8 stainless steel forgings are used across a wide range of industrial sectors, including aerospace, power generation, and more, providing outstanding performance and reliability.

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Properties & Characteristics of Stainless Steel Grade 13-8

Stainless steel grade 13-8 is a precipitation age-hardening alloy with several exceptional properties. The material's closely controlled chemical composition and microstructure result in superior performance in harsh environmental conditions compared to other ferrous metals.13-8 stainless steel is also significantly stronger than many other types of stainless steel and can be heat-treated for even higher tensile and yield strength. With the ability to maintain its strength and other properties at extremely high temperatures, 13-8 stainless steel is an outstanding material for many demanding industrial applications.

Benefits of Alloy 13-8 Stainless Steel Forgings

  • Excellent yield & fatigue strength
  • Outstanding heat resistance
  • High hardness
  • Good galling and stress corrosion resistance
  • Exceptional oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1,100°F (593°C)
  • Excellent corrosion resistance (comparable to chromium-nickel grades)

Alloy 13-8 Stainless Steel Composition

Element % Content
Aluminum 0.90 to 1.35
Carbon 0.05 (max.)
Chromium 12.25 to 13.25
Manganese 0.10 (max.)
Molybdenum 2.00 to 2.50
Nickel 7.50 to 8.50
Nitrogen 0.01 (max.)
Phosphorous 0.010 (max.)
Silicon 0.10 (max.)
Sulfur 0.008 (max.)
Iron balance
  • Stainless Steel Grade 13-8 Mo Hardness: Tempered 13-8 stainless steel can achieve Brinell scale hardness of up to 430, and Rockwell hardness of up to C45. The high hardness levels of 13-8 stainless steel forgings enhance wear resistance and increase longevity for components subjected to friction and abrasive contact.
  • Alloy 13-8 Stainless Steel Heat Treatment: The heat treatment process enhances the properties of 13-8 stainless steel forgings. 13-8 Mo steel can be hardened through solution heat treatment at temperatures from 950°F to 1,150°F (510°C to 621°C) for four hours. It must be air-cooled to below 60°F (16°C) for complete martensite transformation.
  • 13-8 Mo Stainless Steel Machinability: Cutting speed of 13-8 stainless steel averages 80 ft/min, similar to 17-4 stainless. Machinability of age-hardened 13-8 stainless steel improves in proportion to increases in hardening temperature.
  • 13-8 Steel Hot Working Capabilities: Stainless steel grade 13-8 can be forged and hot-worked, allowing for the creation of intricate shapes and components that retain high strength and toughness. The alloy should be solution-treated and cooled at room temperature.
  • Cold Working Alloy 13-8 Capacities: This alloy can be cold-worked to enhance its properties even further. Fabrication is limited by its high initial yield strength.

Industrial Applications for 13-8 Mo Stainless Steel Forgings

Because stainless steel 13-8 offers high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good toughness, it is ideal for rugged industrial environments, including applications with aggressive chemicals and harsh conditions. Its ability to maintain its mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures and ease of fabrication make it a versatile choice for various industrial components. Its resistance to stress corrosion cracking further enhances its reliability in demanding industrial settings, making stainless steel 13-8 a dependable and durable material for various critical applications. Our custom 13-8 steel forgings serve a variety of industries, including:

  • Aerospace Components
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Injection Molding Equipment
  • Waterjet cutting Equipment
  • Petrochemical Industries

13-8 Stainless Steel Forging at Great Lakes Forge

At Great Lakes Forge, we specialize in open-die forging high-performance stainless steel 13-8 parts. All our forging processes are done from our in-house machine shop in Traverse City, Michigan. We can forge 13-8 stainless steel parts in sizes up to 120" in length, from 3.5" to 18" in diameter/thickness, and weighing up to 4,000 lbs.

Standard Shape Options for 13-8 Stainless Steel Forgings

CNC Machining Services for 13-8 Stainless Steel Forgings

For specialized applications, we can forge custom 13-8 stainless steel geometries using our CNC milling and rough-turning capabilities. These advanced machining services can produce components with tight tolerances and unique dimensions. With the industry's fastest turnaround times, our CNC milling and turning processes are ideal for high or low-volume production, as well as prototyping 13-8 stainless steel components.

Your Source for Custom Open-Die Forged Components

In addition to 13-8 forgings, we produce custom open-die forgings from over 100 materials. If your project requires a specific type or grade of steel, we can supply it. We provide commercial and industrial customers in a wide range of rugged industries with custom-forged parts, including stepshafts, blocks, rounds, and more. With the fastest turnaround times in the industry, you can count on Great Lakes Forge to supply premium custom forgings with quick, on-time deliveries. 

Contact Us for Custom 13-8 Stainless Steel Forgings & More

Want to learn more about how Great Lakes Forge can supply you with custom Stainless Steel 13-8 forgings? Contact us online or request a quote today to get started. For all your stainless steel custom forging needs, choose Great Lakes Forge.