How is ferromolybdenum used in making high-grade alloy steels?

Ferromolybdenum (FeMo) is a crucial additive used in the production of high-grade alloy steels, particularly those requiring a molybdenum content greater than 1 percent.1

When manufacturing these high-grade steels, ferromolybdenum is preferred over technical molybdic oxide because it allows for the addition of molybdenum without introducing oxygen into the heat. By incorporating molybdenum into the steel, manufacturers can significantly enhance the material's properties, including:1

• Hardenability: Molybdenum is one of the most effective elements for increasing the hardenability of steel, allowing for deeper hardening during heat treatment.23
• Strength and Toughness: It contributes to the overall strength and toughness of quenched and tempered steels.2
• Corrosion Resistance: Small additions of molybdenum uniquely enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steels.2
• High-Temperature Performance: It imparts superior strength and stability to alloys at high temperatures, making them suitable for demanding applications like jet engines and combustion liners.2

Ferromolybdenum typically contains at least 60 percent molybdenum, with the remainder consisting primarily of iron and small amounts of other elements like carbon, copper, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur.12