Sandvik Materials Technology has developed a new stainless steel, Sandvik Nanoflex. The new steel aims to combine ultra-high strength with good formability, corrosion resistance and a good surface finish. Sandvik Nanoflex is ideally intended for mechanical applications where lightweight, rigid designs are required. A high modulus of elasticity combined with extreme strength can result in thinner and even lighter components than those made from aluminium and titanium. Sandvik Nanoflex is already being used in medical equipment, such as surgical needles and dental tools. Other areas of use are expected, for example lightweight chassis applications and sports equipment. The strength and surface properties of Sandvik Nanoflex also offer opportunities for items for the automotive industry, replacing hard-chromed low alloy steels. Thus the environmentally unfriendly hard-chromising process can be eliminated. Sandvik Nanoflex is available in the form of tube, strip, wire and bar.
