Wyomissing, PA, (April 2, 2007) – Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE:CRS) announced the introduction of a new controlled-chemistry, free-machining, ferritic 13% chromium alloy developed for use in magnetic components offers improved corrosion resistance and good magnetic properties.

Chrome Core® 13-XP alloy can be considered for fuel injection components and other electromechanical devices where corrosion resistance must be better than that of pure iron, low carbon steel and silicon-iron alloys.

This new grade offers magnetic properties equivalent to those of the company’s well known Chrome Core 13-FM alloy, with corrosion resistance superior to that of Type 430FR alloy. In salt spray corrosion testing, Chrome Core 13-XP alloy provided better resistance than the higher alloyed 18% chromium ferritic stainless steels, without the substantial decrease in saturation induction typically exhibited by that material.

Applications could include a variety of components requiring some degree of corrosion resistance, either in service or for extended shelf life without the need and expense for protective coatings.

The new alloy is the latest in Carpenter’s Chrome Core series of alloys which have been used in automotive components such as fuel injectors and ABS solenoids.

It can be considered for industrial solenoid components which require magnetic properties better than those for Type 430FR alloy or Chrome Core 18-FM alloy.  Alternately, it is also a candidate for applications requiring a ferritic stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance.

Corrosive water testing was conducted in an environment similar to the corrosive component found in most ethanol fuels.  Results confirmed that resistance of the Chrome Core 13-XP alloy was at least as good as that of the Chrome Core 18-FM alloy, and superior to the other ferritic stainless steels tested.

Typical physical/magnetic properties of the new alloy are: saturation magnetization, 1.7 Bs, Tesla; maximum permeability, 43000; resistivity, 814µΏ-mm, and coercivity, 111 Hc,A/m.

Typical mechanical properties for Chrome Core 13-XP alloy, as annealed for optimum magnetic properties, are:  45 ksi (310 MPa) yield strength, 70 ksi (483 MPa) ultimate tensile strength, 35% elongation in 2 in. (50mm) and 50% reduction in area.

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For more information about Chrome Core® 13-XP alloy or other Chrome Core alloys, visit Carpenter’s website at www.cartech.com or send e-mail to service@cartech.com or phone (610) 208-2000 or (800) 654-6543.

Carpenter Technology Corporation, based in Wyomissing, PA, USA, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialty metals including stainless steels and titanium, and various engineered products.