Method for manufacturing multi-component structural members

摘要

A method for fabricating multi-component structural members includes brazing a first component of air-hardenable martensitic stainless steel to a second component made of ferrous, stainless or nickel alloy steels. The martensitic stainless steel first component is preferably type 410, 420 or 440 and formed while in the annealed condition. The martensitic stainless steel component is simultaneously brazed and hardened to the second structural component by heating both components to between 950° C. and 1100° C. while depositing a brazing compound between the structural components to form a joint. The structural members are then cooled at a rate of 25° C. per minute or greater so as to transform the air-hardenable martensitic stainless steel to a predominantly martensitic state.