{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "maraging-steel-250",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "maraging-steels",
  "name": "Maraging 250 steel",
  "abbreviation": "Maraging 250",
  "role": "ultra-high-strength structural steel",
  "category": "metals",
  "type": "steels-and-stainless",
  "summary": "Maraging 250 steel is an 18% nickel, cobalt-strengthened steel (C-type) that is aged at a low temperature to reach its strength. Aged at about 480 °C for about 3 to 6 hours (Sakysteel), it has a tensile strength of 1720 to 1860 MPa and a density of 8.0 to 8.1 g/cm3 (Sakysteel, approximate values). Its solution-annealed hardness is 30 to 35 HRC (Sakysteel), so it can be machined before it is aged. Corrosion resistance was not found in any source we hold.\n",
  "best_for": "Ultra-high-strength structural parts that are machined soft and then aged, such as rocket motor cases and landing gear components",
  "weakest_at": "Corrosion behaviour is not documented in any source we hold, and the sources give properties that depend on bar size, test direction and aging cycle",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Fe-based alloy with nominal Ni 18.50, Co 7.50, Mo 4.80, Ti 0.40, Al 0.10 (SSA nominal, wt %); reference ranges Ni 17.00 to 19.00, Co 7.00 to 8.50, Mo 4.60 to 5.20, Ti 0.30 to 0.50, Al 0.05 to 0.15 (Dynamic Metals), balance Fe",
    "designations": [
      {
        "system": "UNS",
        "code": "K92890",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "Product table, UNS line"
      },
      {
        "system": "AMS",
        "code": "6512",
        "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
        "where": "Page title and product description (AMS 6512 primary bar and forging-stock specification)"
      },
      {
        "system": "EN",
        "code": "1.6359",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "EN/European reference line (W.Nr. 1.6359)"
      },
      {
        "system": "EN name",
        "code": "X2NiCoMo18-8-5",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "Product parameters table, X2NiCoMo18-8-5 reference"
      },
      {
        "system": "BS",
        "code": "S162",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "British reference line (BS S162 / DTD 5212)"
      },
      {
        "system": "ASTM",
        "code": "A538",
        "note": "printed as ASTM A 538; listed on the Standards line",
        "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
        "where": "Standards line"
      },
      {
        "system": "Trade name",
        "code": "VASCOMAX",
        "note": "printed as VASCOMAX® 250 on the SSA page (the 250 is the grade number)",
        "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
        "where": "Product name line"
      }
    ],
    "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
    "where": "Chemical Composition table (Dynamic Metals slide, wt %); SSA Chemical Composition table (Nominal %)"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [],
    "stresses": [],
    "applications": [
      "structures",
      "propulsion-and-tanks",
      "mechanisms"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density, Maraging 250 bar",
      "value": 8,
      "value_high": 8.1,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "form": "bar as printed (no form or temper stated beyond the cited page)",
        "temperature": "room temperature"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier mechanical and heat-treatment table",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Printed as Approx. 8.0-8.1 g/cm3 (Sakysteel). Dynamic Metals prints 0.289 lbs./cu. In. without a stated condition.",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Density row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Elastic modulus, Maraging 250",
      "value": 185,
      "value_high": 195,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "room temperature",
        "condition": "as printed for the aged condition"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Elastic Modulus row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, aged Maraging 250",
      "value": 1720,
      "value_high": 1860,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "aged",
        "orientation": "not stated on the page",
        "size": "results depend on bar size, test orientation, melting route and aging treatment (page text)"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Tensile Strength row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "yield_strength",
      "label": "0.2% yield strength, aged Maraging 250 (minimum reference)",
      "value": 1655,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "aged",
        "offset": "0.2%",
        "basis": "minimum reference value printed on the page"
      },
      "method": "Minimum reference printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, 0.2% Yield Strength row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "yield_strength",
      "label": "Yield strength, Maraging 250 (minimum after heat treatment)",
      "value": 240,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "ksi",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)",
        "orientation": "not stated"
      },
      "method": "Minimum printed on a slide of mechanical properties",
      "status": "ground",
      "note": "Dynamic Metals gives 240 ksi as a minimum; Sakysteel gives 1655 MPa as a minimum reference. The two are consistent in magnitude but use different units and conditions.",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table, Yield Strength row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation, aged Maraging 250",
      "value": 5,
      "value_high": 8,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "aged",
        "size": "size dependent, as printed"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Elongation row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation, Maraging 250 (minimum after heat treatment)",
      "value": 6,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)"
      },
      "method": "Minimum printed on a slide of mechanical properties",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table, Elongation row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, aged Maraging 250",
      "value": 48,
      "value_high": 52,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "HRC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "aged"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Hardness row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, Maraging 250 (minimum after heat treatment)",
      "value": 48,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "Rc",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)"
      },
      "method": "Minimum printed on a slide of mechanical properties",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table, Hardness row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, solution-annealed Maraging 250",
      "value": 30,
      "value_high": 35,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "HRC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "solution annealed"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Annealed Hardness row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, as-shipped annealed and descaled Maraging 250",
      "value": 30,
      "value_high": 34,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "Rc",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "annealed and descaled, as shipped"
      },
      "method": "Range printed on a slide",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "As-shipped condition line",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "charpy_impact_energy",
      "label": "Charpy V-notch energy, Maraging 250 (minimum after heat treatment)",
      "value": 15,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "ft/lbs",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)",
        "notch": "V-notch"
      },
      "method": "Minimum printed on a slide of mechanical properties",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table, Charpy V-notch row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "reduction_of_area",
      "label": "Reduction of area, Maraging 250 (minimum after heat treatment)",
      "value": 50,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)"
      },
      "method": "Minimum printed on a slide of mechanical properties",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table, Reduction of Area row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "solution_treatment_temperature",
      "label": "Solution treatment temperature, Maraging 250",
      "value": 815,
      "value_high": 830,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "step": "solution treatment",
        "cooling": "air cooled"
      },
      "method": "Approximate range printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Solution Treatment row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "aging_temperature",
      "label": "Aging temperature, Maraging 250 (typical)",
      "value": 480,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "step": "aging",
        "duration": "about 3 to 6 hours as printed",
        "cooling": "air cooled"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed on a supplier table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table, Typical Aging row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
        "id": "Sakysteel product page",
        "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "aging_temperature",
      "label": "Aging temperature, Maraging 250 (non-die-casting cycle)",
      "value": 900,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "F",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "step": "aging",
        "tolerance": "plus or minus 10 F as printed",
        "duration": "6 hours",
        "cooling": "cool in room air"
      },
      "method": "Cycle printed on a slide",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Heat Treatment (Slide 1), non-die-casting applications",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
        "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
        "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, aged Maraging 250 (after 900/925 F for 6 hours)",
      "value": 48,
      "value_high": 52,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "Rc",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "aged at 900/925 F for 6 hours"
      },
      "method": "Range printed in a heat-treatment table on a supplier page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
      "where": "Heat Treatment / Aging table, Resulting Hardness row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 (AMS 6512), Service Steel Aerospace product page",
        "id": "SSA page, maraging-250-AMS-6512",
        "url": "https://ssa-corp.com/he/maraging-250-AMS-6512.php",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
      "label": "Hardness, solution-annealed Maraging 250 (SSA)",
      "value": 30,
      "value_high": 35,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "Rc",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "condition": "solution annealed"
      },
      "method": "Range printed on a supplier page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
      "where": "Heat Treatment / Aging section, solution annealed condition line",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 (AMS 6512), Service Steel Aerospace product page",
        "id": "SSA page, maraging-250-AMS-6512",
        "url": "https://ssa-corp.com/he/maraging-250-AMS-6512.php",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "aging_temperature",
      "label": "Aging temperature, Maraging 250 (SSA cycle)",
      "value": 900,
      "value_high": 925,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "F",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "step": "aging",
        "duration": "6 hours"
      },
      "method": "Temperature range printed in a heat-treatment table on a supplier page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
      "where": "Heat Treatment / Aging table, Temperature row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Maraging 250 (AMS 6512), Service Steel Aerospace product page",
        "id": "SSA page, maraging-250-AMS-6512",
        "url": "https://ssa-corp.com/he/maraging-250-AMS-6512.php",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Not stated in any source we hold",
      "headline": "Corrosion resistance of Maraging 250 was not found in any source we hold, so no corrosion rating is given.",
      "effect": "Three supplier pages and one slide cover mechanical and physical properties, heat treatment and applications. None gives a corrosion test, a corrosion rate or a statement on resistance to a named medium. Titanium alloys can substitute for nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments according to USGS, but that statement concerns other materials.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "absence of any corrosion data in the cited pages"
      },
      "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
      "where": "Whole page checked; no corrosion section"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "The alloy itself has no GHS entry we could read. The hazard entries below are for cobalt metal, a constituent of the alloy, and do not measure this grade. PubChem's aggregated cobalt entry lists 'Harmful if swallowed', 'May cause an allergic skin reaction', 'Causes serious eye irritation', 'Fatal if inhaled', 'May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled', 'Suspected of causing genetic defects', 'May cause cancer' and 'May damage fertility; Suspected of damaging the unborn child'.",
        "ghs": [
          "H302",
          "H317",
          "H319",
          "H330",
          "H334",
          "H341",
          "H350",
          "H360Fd"
        ],
        "source": "pubchem-cobalt",
        "where": "GHS Classification section, aggregated entry, CID 104730 (cobalt)"
      },
      {
        "text": "The same PubChem entry lists 'Very toxic to aquatic life' and 'Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects' for cobalt metal, with a signal word of Danger on the aggregated entry.",
        "ghs": [
          "H400",
          "H410",
          "H411",
          "H413"
        ],
        "source": "pubchem-cobalt",
        "where": "GHS Classification section, aggregated entry, CID 104730 (cobalt)"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Properties depend on the aging cycle",
        "trigger": "Aging away from the printed cycle (900 F plus or minus 10 F for 6 hours in the Dynamic Metals non-die-casting route)",
        "consequence": "Sakysteel says results depend on 'bar size, test orientation, melting route, and aging treatment', so a strength value from one cycle cannot be assumed for another.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "Chemical and heat-treatment notes; Mechanical and Heat-Treatment Properties table"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Test direction not stated on the supplier data",
        "trigger": "Using a property value taken from a bar or slide without its test direction",
        "consequence": "Dynamic Metals states that the page does not specify test direction (longitudinal or transverse) for any property, so a value may not apply to the orientation a part is loaded in.",
        "severity": "low",
        "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
        "where": "Mechanical Properties (Minimum, After Heat Treatment) table"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Die-casting route, as printed: 'anneal at 1500-1525 F for 1 hour per inch of thickness' after rough machining, then 'age at 980-1000 F for 6 hours' after finish machining.",
        "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
        "where": "Heat Treatment (Slide 1), die-casting applications"
      },
      {
        "text": "Supplied in the annealed and descaled condition. Sakysteel prints a solution-annealed hardness of 30 to 35 HRC, and Dynamic Metals prints 30/34 Rc as shipped.",
        "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
        "where": "Annealed Hardness row; Dynamic Metals As-shipped condition line"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": []
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "propulsion-and-tanks",
      "device": "Missile and rocket motor cases",
      "example": "Dynamic Metals lists missile and rocket motor cases among the applications for MARAGING (C) 250.",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Listed Applications"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Aircraft landing gear components",
      "example": "Sakysteel lists aircraft landing gear components among the applications for Maraging 250.",
      "source": "sakysteel-maraging-250",
      "where": "Listed Applications"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Aerospace structural and component parts",
      "example": "SSA lists aerospace, structural, component and tooling applications for Maraging 250, with critical parts among them.",
      "source": "ssa-maraging-250",
      "where": "Applications (as listed)"
    },
    {
      "application": "mechanisms",
      "device": "High-performance shafting, gears and fasteners",
      "example": "Dynamic Metals lists high-performance shafting, gears and fasteners among its applications for MARAGING (C) 250.",
      "source": "dmi-maraging-250",
      "where": "Listed Applications"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Cobalt (a main alloying element)",
      "abundance": "Not stated in the sources we hold for this profile.",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "Congo (Kinshasa)",
          "share_percent": 73,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Indonesia",
          "share_percent": 14,
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (page lists cobalt)",
          "listed": true
        },
        {
          "list": "European Commission critical raw materials page (lists Cobalt)",
          "listed": true
        }
      ],
      "recycling": "USGS: cobalt content of purchased scrap represented 25% of estimated cobalt consumption in 2025.",
      "substitutes": [
        "USGS: depending on the application, substitution for cobalt could result in a loss in product performance or increased cost."
      ],
      "source": "usgs-mcs2026-cobalt",
      "where": "Events, Trends, and Issues (Congo and Indonesia shares, printed); World Mine Production table (world total 310,000 metric tons in 2025, cobalt content); Recycling; Substitutes"
    },
    {
      "subject": "Nickel (main alloying element)",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (page lists nickel)",
          "listed": true
        },
        {
          "list": "European Commission critical raw materials page (nickel included as a strategic raw material)",
          "listed": true
        }
      ],
      "recycling": "USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in 2025.",
      "substitutes": [
        "USGS: titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments."
      ],
      "source": "usgs-mcs2026-nickel",
      "where": "World Mine Production and Reserves table (world total 3,900,000 metric tons in 2025, nickel content); Events (3.9 million tons in 2025); Recycling; Substitutes"
    },
    {
      "subject": "Molybdenum (a main alloying element)",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (molybdenum not listed)",
          "listed": false
        },
        {
          "list": "European Commission critical raw materials page (molybdenum not listed)",
          "listed": false
        }
      ],
      "recycling": "USGS: molybdenum may be recycled as much as 30% of apparent supply as part of steel and other scrap.",
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-mcs2026-molybdenum",
      "where": "Recycling paragraph; Events (China, Chile, the United States, Peru and Mexico accounted for 90% of total global production); World Mine Production table (world total 260,000 metric tons in 2025, molybdenum content)"
    },
    {
      "subject": "Titanium sponge (titanium alloying element)",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (page lists titanium, used in metal alloys)",
          "listed": true
        },
        {
          "list": "European Commission critical raw materials page (titanium metal listed)",
          "listed": true
        }
      ],
      "recycling": "USGS: limited responses to voluntary surveys mean the consumption data for titanium scrap metal are incomplete.",
      "substitutes": [
        "USGS: few materials possess titanium metal's strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance."
      ],
      "source": "usgs-mcs2026-titanium",
      "where": "World Sponge Metal Production table (world total 370,000 metric tons in 2025; China 260,000); Recycling; Substitutes"
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "Service Steel Aerospace: Maraging 250 (AMS 6512) product and mechanical properties page",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://ssa-corp.com/he/maraging-250-AMS-6512.php",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "Sakysteel: Maraging 250 steel round bar product page",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "Dynamic Metals International: MARAGING (C) 250 slide (SlideShare)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Cobalt",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-cobalt.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Molybdenum",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-molybdenum.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Titanium",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-titanium.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "PubChem: Cobalt (CID 104730), GHS classification",
      "type": "database",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/104730",
      "year": 2026
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "Corrosion resistance of Maraging 250 in any medium: not found in any source we hold. The corrosion entry is rated unknown on purpose.",
    "Fracture toughness: Dynamic Metals prints '75 KIC' with no unit, so the value was left out.",
    "Coefficient of thermal expansion: the pages print '5.6 x 10-6' with the exponent in a non-standard form, so the value was left out. Dynamic Metals gives 5.6 x 10 -6 in/in. F for 70 to 900 F.",
    "Modulus: SSA prints '27.0 x 10-6 psi', which looks like a typo for 10^6 and is not used; the Sakysteel range in GPa is recorded instead.",
    "Test direction (longitudinal or transverse) for any property: not stated on any page.",
    "No SDS or safety page for Maraging 250 itself was found. Hazard entries are for cobalt metal, a constituent.",
    "Nickel, molybdenum and titanium producer shares by country were not printed in the pages used, so supply rows give the world totals, not shares.",
    "UNS and EN designations were checked against the printed pages; the 18Ni(250) name is not printed in any source, so only 18Ni250 is used, as a grade name on the Sakysteel page.",
    "Seven Dynamic Metals values and its ASTM A 538 designation could not be machine-checked: the SlideShare page returned no text to verify-values. They were read in this run with WebFetch and are flagged for a manual check.",
    "Peer-reviewed or open-access papers on Maraging 250 were not reached in this run; the properties rest on supplier pages and one slide."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Maraging 250 steel (also called VASCOMAX 250 and specified as AMS 6512) is an ultra-high-strength steel. It is supplied in the annealed, descaled condition. The Dynamic Metals die-casting route anneals after rough machining and ages after finish machining. Service Steel Aerospace describes the grade as an 18% nickel, cobalt strengthened steel. Suppliers list it for rocket motor cases, landing gear components, shafts, gears, fasteners and tooling.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Rocket motor cases and missiles",
        "line": "Dynamic Metals lists missile and rocket motor cases among the applications for MARAGING (C) 250. The source is a supplier slide, not a flight record."
      },
      {
        "where": "Landing gear",
        "line": "Sakysteel lists aircraft landing gear components among its applications for Maraging 250. SSA lists aerospace, structural, component and tooling applications in the same way."
      },
      {
        "where": "Shafts, gears and fasteners",
        "line": "Dynamic Metals lists high-performance shafting, gears and fasteners. No space flight use was found in the sources we hold."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Strength",
        "line": "After heat treatment Dynamic Metals gives a minimum yield strength of 240 ksi. Sakysteel gives a minimum reference of 1655 MPa for the aged condition, with a tensile range of 1720 to 1860 MPa.",
        "benchmark": "yield_strength",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "240 ksi"
      },
      {
        "label": "Machinability before aging",
        "line": "In the solution-annealed condition the steel is 30 to 35 HRC according to Sakysteel, which is soft enough to machine before it is aged to 48 to 52 HRC.",
        "benchmark": "hardness_rockwell_c",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "30 to 35 HRC"
      },
      {
        "label": "Density",
        "line": "The density is printed as an approximate 8.0 to 8.1 g/cm3 (Sakysteel). No other density value was read in a source that states its condition.",
        "benchmark": "density",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "8.0 to 8.1 g/cm3"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "The sources give Maraging 250 a density of 8.0 to 8.1 g/cm3 (Sakysteel, approximate) and a solution-annealed hardness of 30 to 35 HRC, against 48 to 52 HRC when aged (Sakysteel). The USGS says that titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments, but no source held gives a corrosion rating for Maraging 250, so a like-for-like corrosion comparison cannot be made from this profile.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Density",
        "benchmark": "density",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Tensile strength",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Yield strength",
        "benchmark": "yield_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "Anneal before final machining, using the printed Dynamic Metals die-casting route, or follow the supplier's own cycle.",
      "The alloy is supplied annealed and descaled. Check the aging cycle against the mill certificate for the bar size.",
      "No hazard data sheet for the alloy was found, and no dust exposure limit for this grade was found in the sources we hold."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Very high strength in a machinable steel, with a yield strength of 240 ksi minimum after heat treatment (Dynamic Metals).",
      "Parts that need strength after a low-temperature aging step, such as rocket motor cases and landing gear components (Sakysteel, Dynamic Metals)."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "No corrosion data was found for this grade in any source we hold.",
      "Property values depend on bar size, test direction and aging cycle, and the test direction is not stated on any page.",
      "The cobalt in the alloy carries its own hazard statements, including 'May cause cancer', from PubChem."
    ],
    "verdict": "Maraging 250 is a machinable high-strength steel for rocket and landing gear parts, but the corrosion behaviour needs a supplier certificate or a test before use.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "Maraging 250 is an iron-nickel-cobalt-molybdenum steel. Suppliers supply it in the solution-annealed condition and age it at a low temperature (Sakysteel prints about 480 °C for about 3 to 6 hours). Supplier pages describe it as double vacuum melted by VIM followed by VAR.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "Nickel",
          "symbol": "Ni",
          "role": "Main alloying element. The Sakysteel page calls it an 18% nickel, cobalt strengthened steel (C-type)."
        },
        {
          "name": "Cobalt",
          "symbol": "Co",
          "role": "Cobalt strengthened steel (SSA wording)."
        },
        {
          "name": "Molybdenum",
          "symbol": "Mo",
          "role": "Alloying element listed in both composition tables."
        },
        {
          "name": "Titanium",
          "symbol": "Ti",
          "role": "Alloying element listed in both composition tables."
        },
        {
          "name": "Aluminium",
          "symbol": "Al",
          "role": "Alloying element listed in both composition tables."
        },
        {
          "name": "Iron",
          "symbol": "Fe",
          "role": "Balance of the composition in both sources."
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "No safety data sheet or GHS entry for Maraging 250 itself was found. The entries below are for cobalt metal, a constituent.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Cobalt metal",
            "line": "PubChem's aggregated entry for cobalt metal lists statements including 'May cause cancer', 'Fatal if inhaled' and 'Suspected of causing genetic defects'. These describe the element, not this alloy."
          },
          {
            "label": "Dust and fume",
            "line": "No exposure limit or dust data for this grade was found in the sources we hold."
          }
        ],
        "level": 0,
        "verdict": "No alloy hazard entry found"
      },
      {
        "title": "If a part fails in service",
        "lead": "The sources give no failure test data for this grade.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Aging route",
            "line": "Properties depend on the aging cycle, bar size, test orientation and melting route, according to Sakysteel."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Handling and processing",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Die casting route",
            "line": "Dynamic Metals prints an anneal of 1500-1525 F for 1 hour per inch of thickness after rough machining, then aging at 980-1000 F for 6 hours after finish machining."
          },
          {
            "label": "Annealed state",
            "line": "The as-shipped condition is annealed and descaled, at 30/34 Rc (Dynamic Metals) or 30/35 Rc (SSA)."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-11-01",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 19,
    "unreachable": 0,
    "caveats": 2,
    "note": "Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from pages fetched in that run. Supplier values are approximate or minimum values as printed; no test-certificate values were available."
  },
  "sources": {
    "ssa-maraging-250": {
      "title": "Maraging 250 (AMS 6512), Service Steel Aerospace product page",
      "id": "SSA page, maraging-250-AMS-6512",
      "url": "https://ssa-corp.com/he/maraging-250-AMS-6512.php",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "sakysteel-maraging-250": {
      "title": "Maraging 250 steel round bar, Sakysteel product page",
      "id": "Sakysteel product page",
      "url": "https://m.sakysteel.com/maraging-250-steel-round-bar.html",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "supplier page, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "dmi-maraging-250": {
      "title": "MARAGING (C) 250, Dynamic Metals International slide (SlideShare)",
      "id": "SlideShare 48297132",
      "url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/maraging-250-spec/48297132",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "slide, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "usgs-mcs2026-cobalt": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Cobalt",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-cobalt.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "usgs-mcs2026-nickel": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "usgs-mcs2026-molybdenum": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Molybdenum",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-molybdenum.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "usgs-mcs2026-titanium": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Titanium",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-titanium.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "pubchem-cobalt": {
      "title": "PubChem compound record, Cobalt (CID 104730), GHS classification",
      "id": "CID 104730",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/104730",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "database",
      "license": "public domain (NCBI)"
    },
    "usgs-crit2025": {
      "title": "About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals (USGS)",
      "id": "USGS final 2025 list",
      "url": "https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/about-2025-list-critical-minerals",
      "year": 2025,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "ec-crm": {
      "title": "Critical raw materials (European Commission page, 34 materials)",
      "id": "European Commission CRM page",
      "url": "https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/critical-raw-materials_en",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "European Commission web page"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/maraging-steel-250/"
}