Steel 1J85
GB 1J85
1J85 is a nickel-iron-molybdenum soft magnetic alloy of the Supermalloy class, used where high initial and maximum permeability at low field strength is required.
Reference datasheet — 1J85 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the M condition
1J85 tempers and conditions
1J85 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. M is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Final magnetic anneal, 1100–1180 °C dry hydrogen, slow cool | Final state for finished cores and shields: a 1100–1180 °C dry hydrogen anneal with slow cool gives peak permeability (μm above 200,000) and lowest coercivity, but leaves soft, stress-sensitive metal. | 210 | 550 | 45 | 105 HB | 3.1 % IACS |
Magnetic field anneal (longitudinal/transverse) for tailored B-H loop | Anneal in a magnetic field to tailor the B-H loop: longitudinal for square-loop magnetic amplifiers and pulse transformers, transverse for flat constant-permeability instrument transformers and chokes. | 215 | 560 | 43 | 106 HB | 3.1 % IACS |
MDefault Thermomechanically controlled processed | Default supply form: soft mill-annealed strip and sheet for stamping and core winding, with the hydrogen magnetic anneal performed after forming to develop magnetic properties. | 250 | 600 | 40 | 115 HB | 3.1 % IACS |
Half hard cold rolled strip | Choose half hard cold rolled strip for shielding cans and brackets that need rigidity yet must still be bent; 620 MPa yield, with magnetic performance restored only by annealing. | 620 | 850 | 12 | 185 HB | 3 % IACS |
Cold rolled hard strip / foil | Pick as-rolled hard strip or foil for thin gauges and high winding tension; permeability is very low and only a final anneal develops magnetic properties, with elongation at 3%. | 950 | 1,100 | 3 | 23 HRC | 3 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 1J85 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
BAR-ANN | Annealed bar, rod and forging stock | Supply form |
Wire-Ann | Annealed wire | Supply form |
What is 1J85?
1J85 is a nickel-iron-molybdenum soft magnetic alloy of the Supermalloy class, used where high initial and maximum permeability at low field strength is required. It is supplied as strip, foil, bar and wire in M, H2-Ann, MFA, Y2, Y, BAR-ANN and Wire-Ann conditions, with typical values of 250 MPa yield, 600 MPa tensile, 40 % elongation and 115 HB (65 HRB). The alloy is extremely stress-sensitive and machines poorly (machinability score 30), and service temperature is limited to about 200 °C. Where a flat permeability-versus-field curve is more important than peak permeability, use 1J34. 1J85 has a density of 8.75 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), heavier than 100% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 1J85 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 1J85 used for?
- precision toroidal cores
- magnetic shielding
- sensitive relay cores
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 40%, better than 99% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 55/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 96% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 11 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 100% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 19 W/m·K (11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of steel grades
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 94% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 3.1 % IACS, worse than 89% of steel grades
1J85 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1J85-M; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
1J85 has a density of 8.75 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), heavier than 100% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical15
1J85 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
1J85 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 19 W/m·K (11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.5 µm/m·K (6.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1J85 conducts electricity at 3.1 % IACS, worse than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), better than 99% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1J85 takes about 160 MJ of energy and emits 11 kg of CO₂ — more than 100% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
1J85's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. 1J85 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 1J85
Is 1J85 easy to machine?
In the soft condition the alloy smears and work-hardens rapidly: use sharp, high positive-rake tools, lower speeds with a heavier feed and flood coolant. Cutting stresses markedly reduce permeability, so rough machine with allowance and finish-anneal afterwards.
Can 1J85 be welded?
TIG, laser and electron-beam welding are possible with clean joint preparation and low heat input. A full dry-hydrogen magnetic anneal after welding is required to recover magnetic properties.
Can 1J85 be formed, bent or molded?
Soft strip blanks, deep-draws and winds very well (formability score 85), but all cold work sharply lowers permeability. Anneal formed parts at 1100–1180 °C in dry hydrogen with slow cooling, then protect them from impact and mechanical stress.
1J85 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Niincludes Co | 79 – 81 | 80 |
| Mo | 4.8 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.3 | 0.22 |
| Clower carbon gives better magnetic properties | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | |
| P | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Febalance, about 14-15% | balance |
What surface finishes work on 1J85?
Not anodizable; use nickel or tin plating, or paint, for corrosion protection, and the alloy can be polished. Handle annealed shields carefully and do not re-bend them after the final anneal.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
How much does 1J85 cost?
1J85 is a high-cost steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
1J85 — frequently asked
What is 1J85 used for?
1J85 is typically used for precision toroidal cores, magnetic shielding and sensitive relay cores. In short: highest-permeability Ni-Fe-Mo alloy; supermalloy-class shielding grade; very stress-sensitive; anneal last.
What is the yield strength of 1J85?
1J85 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 1J85 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades). In the soft condition the alloy smears and work-hardens rapidly: use sharp, high positive-rake tools, lower speeds with a heavier feed and flood coolant. Cutting stresses markedly reduce permeability, so rough machine with allowance and finish-anneal afterwards.
Can 1J85 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). TIG, laser and electron-beam welding are possible with clean joint preparation and low heat input. A full dry-hydrogen magnetic anneal after welding is required to recover magnetic properties.
What surface finishes work on 1J85?
Not anodizable; use nickel or tin plating, or paint, for corrosion protection, and the alloy can be polished. Handle annealed shields carefully and do not re-bend them after the final anneal.
Can 1J85 be formed, bent or molded?
Soft strip blanks, deep-draws and winds very well (formability score 85), but all cold work sharply lowers permeability. Anneal formed parts at 1100–1180 °C in dry hydrogen with slow cooling, then protect them from impact and mechanical stress.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1J85?
1J85 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1J85-M and 1J85-Y?
M is the default condition — default supply form: soft mill-annealed strip and sheet for stamping and core winding, with the hydrogen magnetic anneal performed after forming to develop magnetic properties. Y: pick as-rolled hard strip or foil for thin gauges and high winding tension; permeability is very low and only a final anneal develops magnetic properties, with elongation at 3%. Yield strength is 250 MPa in M versus 950 MPa in Y.
How much does 1J85 cost?
1J85 is a high-cost steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Soft Magnetic Ni-Fe Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.