This article focuses on the application of ultra-low-carbon martensitic high-strength M300 maraging steel in the field of with emphasis on defence industry applications and machine gun components. Main aim of this article is analysing the effect of different heat treatment regimes, in particular solution annealing and precipitation hardening (aging), on the results of nanohardness and reduced elastic modulus of the tested material. The experimental part of the research includes the preparation of M300 steel samples The implementation of four defined thermal states using a precisely controlled dilatometric device, metallographic surface preparation and subsequent analysis using nanoindentation tests. The results demonstrating significant influence of temperature and aging time on the local mechanical properties of maraging steel and confirm the suitability of nanoindentation as a significant method of material characterization. The research contributes a better understanding of the relationship between observed microstructure, heat treatment and mechanical response of maraging steels.
Science Journal 