Significant enhancement of strength in a lamellar-type nanostructured maraging steel subjected to equal-channel angular pressing for 12 passes

► Maraging steel was worked by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) for 12 passes. ► Nanocrystalline maraging steel was produced via ECAP deformation. ► Post-ECAP ageing at 440-500 °C was executed for attaining an optimized strength. ► The strength of 2400-2700 MPa was obtained in the post-ECAP-aged maraging steels. ► The ultimate strength is due to grain-fine strengthening and ageing strengthening.