1.4373 | X12CrMnNiN18-9-5

This nitrogen-alloyed austenitic chromium-manganese-nickel steel belongs to the group of high-strength stainless steels.

The hardness of the sheet is 212 HV 0.5. In a punched specimen, the hardness increases to approx. 345 HV 0.5 due to work hardening.

Plastic deformation during the forming process increases the dislocation density in the material microstructure. This hinders further dislocation movement, resulting in a significant increase in strength and hardness in the formed area. This behaviour is typical of austenitic chromium-manganese-nickel steels with added nitrogen and is a desirable effect in functional fasteners.