What is Austenite?

Austenite is a metallic, non-magnetic solid solution of carbon and iron that exists in steel above the critical temperature of 1333°F ( 723°C).

Its face-centered cubic (FCC) structure allows it to hold a high proportion of carbon in solution.

In many magnetic alloys, the Curie point, the temperature at which magnetic materials cease to behave magnetically, occurs at nearly the same temperature as the austenite transformation.

This behavior is attributed to the paramagnetic nature of austenite, while both martensite and ferrite are strongly ferromagnetic.

Tensile strength of Austenitic is in the range of 500-800 MPa, hardness 20-30HRC. Normally we can use iqualitrol Rockwell Hardness Testers to test its hardness value.

Austenitic stainless steel is an excellent material with good corrosion resistance and exceptional biocompatibility, making it widely used in chemical, marine engineering, food, biomedical, petrochemical, and other industries.

However, its relatively low hardness (200HV–250HV) and poor wear resistance limit its applications.

Adding nitrogen to austenitic steel can stabilize the austenitic structure, increase strength, and improve corrosion resistance, particularly resistance to localized corrosion, such as intergranular corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion.

What is austenite used for?

Austenite is an ingredient of a kind of stainless steel used for making cutlery, hospital and food-service equipment, and tableware.