Heat Treatment of Steel

10/1/2019 Heat Treatment of Steel
Heat Treatment of Steel
From the 1924 edition of Machinery's Handbook

This is the final part, the 7th. After it, however, now comes
Testing the Hardness of Metals
Copyright: expired.
DISCLAIMER: DON'T WRITE FOR ADVICE ON THIS STUFF. I DON'T HAVE ANY.
Detailed table of contents
First section: Furnaces and Baths for Heating Steel
Previous section: Casehardening
Next section: Testing the Hardness of Metals
Application and Heat Treatment of

S. A. E. Carbon and Alloy Steels
The following data and information on various carbon and alloy steels is condensed from reports of the Iron
and Steel Division of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., as revised up to September, 1920. The
steels referred to are intended primarily for use in automobile construction, but have proved of such value in
other fields that they have been adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. (S. A. E.), for general
use in aeronautic, marine, motor cycle, stationary engine and tractor industries. The accompanying tables
give the compositions conforming to S. A. E. specifications as applied to various carbon and alloy steels. The
notes and instructions given in the following, regarding physical characteristics, heat treatments, etc., are not
to be considered as part of the S. A. E. specifications, but are added solely for the guidance of users of these
steels and to assist buyers in selecting the proper steels for different purposes.
When referring to the tables, "Physical Properties of Heat-treated Carbon Steels" and "Physical Properties of
Heat-treated Alloy Steels," the following points should be considered: (1) The figures given indicate what
can be expected as the average product of a given composition when treated in the manner specified, and as
applied to average sections prevailing in automobile work; (2) the values given are low enough so as to
protect the makers of heat-treated stock and parts from unreasonable demands, the idea being to give values
which coincide with the results obtained when stock of medium to high grade is purchased in the open
market and treated by means of commercially efficient equipment controlled by commercially accurate
instruments. For the sake of simplicity it was deemed advisable to adopt only average minimum values for
tensile strength, elastic limit, reduction of area and elongation. These values are based upon the following
considerations, the heat treatment being kept constant: The lowest tensile strength and elastic limit occur
with steels at the bottom of a given range in carbon. The lowest reductions in area and elongations occur
with steels at the top of a given range in carbon. True elastic limits are given, because these are constantly
lower than corresponding yield points. The yield point is measured by the drop of the testing machine beam,
and while this is the most readily and widely used measure of the so-called elastic limit, the results obtained
by this method are generally 5000 to 15,000 pounds higher than the true elastic limit when the latter property
is not in excess of 125,000 pounds per square inch. The values given are very conservative and average
results in practice will generally exceed appreciably the figures given, which serves to increase the factor of
safety and protect both the engineer and the manufacturer.
S. A. E. Specification Numbers for Steels. -- A numeral index system has been adopted by the Society of
Automotive Engineers, Inc. for representing the different classes of steel included in the S. A. E.
specifications. This system makes it possible to employ specification numerals on shop drawings and
blueprints that are partially descriptive of the steel to which the numbers apply. The first figure of the number
indicates the general class to which the steel belongs: thus, 1, indicates carbon steel; 2, nickel steel; 3, nickel-
chromium steel; 5, chromium steel; 6, chromium-vanadium steel; 7, tungsten steel; 9, silico-manganese steel.
In the case of alloy steels, the second figure generally indicates the approximate percentage of the chief
alloying element. The last two or three figures indicate the average carbon content in "points" or hundredths
of one per cent. For example, specification No. 2512 indicates a nickel steel with approximately 5 per cent
nickel, and 0.12 per cent carbon; and specification No. 71660 indicates a tungsten steel with about 16 per
cent tungsten and 0.60 per cent carbon.
www7.taosnet.com/ebear/metal/heattreat7.html 1/16
Heat Treatments for Carbon and Alloy Steels

(Recommended for various steels conforming to S. A. E. specifications)
Heat Treatment A
After forging or machining:

1. Carbonize between 1600 degrees F. and 1750 degrees F. (1650 degrees-1700 degrees F. desired)
2. Cool slowly or quench.
3. Reheat to 1450 degrees-1500 degrees F. and quench.
Heat Treatment B
1. Carbonize between 1600 degrees F. and 1750 degrees F. (1650 degrees-1700 degrees F. desired).
2. Cool slowly in the carbonizing mixture.
3. Reheat to 1500 degrees-1625 degrees F.
4. Quench.
6. Quench.
7. Draw in hot oil varying from 300 degrees-450 degrees F. depending upon hardness desired.
Heat Treatment D
1. Heat to 1500 degrees-1600 degrees F.
2. Quench.
4. Quench.
5. Reheat to 600 degrees-1200 degrees F. and cool slowly
Heat Treatment E
2. Cool slowly.
4. Quench.
5. Reheat to 600 degrees-1200 degrees F. and cool slowly
Heat Treatment F
After shaping or coiling:
2. Quench in oil.
3. Reheat to 400 degrees-900 degrees F. according to temper desired, and cool slowly.
Heat Treatment G
2. Cool slowly in the carbonizing material.
4. Quench.
6. Quench.
7. Reheat to 250 degrees-500 degrees F. (depending upon work) and cool slowly.
Heat Treatment H
2. Quench.
3. Reheat to 600 degrees-1200 degrees F. and cool slowly.
Heat Treatment K
2. Quench.
4. Quench.
Heat Treatment L
4. Quench.
6. Quench.
Heat Treatment M
1. Heat to 1450 degrees-1500 degrees F. 2. Quench.
Heat Treatment P
3. Reheat to 1375 degrees-1450 degrees F. 4. Quench.
Heat Treatment Q
After forging:
2. Cool slowly.
3. Machine
5. Quench.
Heat Treatment R
After forging:
2. Quench in oil
3. Reheat to 1200 degrees-1300 degrees F. (Hold at this temperature three hours.)
4. Cool slowly.
5. Machine.
7. Quench in oil.
Heat Treatment S
4. Quench.
6. Quench.
Heat Treatment T
Heat Treatment U
After forging:
1. Heat to 1525 degrees-1600 degrees F. (Hold for about one-half hour.)
2. Cool slowly.
3. Machine
5. Quench.
Heat Treatment V
Ten Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1010). -- This steel is usually known in the trade as soft,
basic open-hearth steel. It is commonly used for seamless tubing, pressed steel frames, pressed steel brake
drums, sheet steel brake bands, and a variety of other pressed steel parts. In a natural or annealed condition
this steel has little tenacity, and should not be used where much strength is required. The quality is
considerably improved by cold-drawing or cold-rolling, the yield point being raised by such mechanical
working. When this steel, after such cold working, is heated as for bending, pressing, welding, etc., the yield
point returns to that corresponding with the annealed steel. This is also true of all materials that are given a
higher yield point by cold working. This steel has the following physical characteristics:
Annealed Cold-drawn
Yield point, pounds per square inch . . .28,000 to 36,000 40,000 to 60,000
Reduction of area, per cent . . . . . . . . . 65-55 55-45
Elongation in 2 inches, per cent . . . . . . 40-30 unimportant
Heat Treatment. -- The 0.10 per cent carbon steel in the natural or annealed state does not machine freely,
and will tear badly in turning, threading, or broaching operations. Heat treatment is of little benefit although
the steel is made somewhat tougher. If this steel is heated to 1500 degrees F. and quenched in oil or water,
this will produce a little stiffness and put the steel in better condition for machining operations. No drawing
is required. While this steel may be case-hardened, it is not as suitable as the 0.20 per cent carbon steel. For
data on the composition, see the table "S. A. E. Specifications for Carbon Steels" [below].
S. A. E. Specifications for Carbon Steels

Maximum
Carbon, Per Cent Manganese, Per Cent
Percentage
S. A. E. Specification Number
Min. and Min. and
Desired Desired Phosphorus Sulphur
Max. Max.
0.10 0.05-0.15 0.45 0.30-0.60 0.045 0.050 1010
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.45 0.30-0.60 0.045 0.050 1020
0.25 0.20-0.30 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.045 0.050 1025
0.35 0.30-0.40 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.045 0.050 1035
0.45 0.40-0.50 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.045 0.050 1045
0.95 0.90-1.05 0.85 0.25-0.50 0.040 0.050 1095
S. A. E. Specifications for Nickel and Nickel-Chromium Steels

Manganese, Per Chromium, Per

Carbon, Per Cent Nickel, Per Cent S. A. E.
Cent Cent
Specification
Min. and Min. and Min. and Min. and Number
Desired Desired Desired Desired
Max. Max. Max. Max.
Nickel Steels
0.15 0.10-0.20 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2315
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2320
0.30 0.25-0.35 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2330
0.35 0.30-0.40 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2335
0.40 0.35-0.45 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2340
0.45 0.40-0.50 0.65 0.50-0.80 3.50 3.25-3.75 2345
0.12 0.17 0.45 0.30-0.60 5.00 4.50-5.25 2512#
Nickel-Chromium Steels
0.45-
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.65 0.50-0.80 1.25 1.00-1.50 0.600 3120
0.75
0.45-
0.25 0.20-0.30 0.65 0.50-0.80 1.25 1.00-1.50 0.600 3125
0.75
0.45-
0.30 0.25-0.35 0.65 0.50-0.80 1.25 1.00-1.50 0.600 3130
0.75
0.45-
0.35 0.30-0.40 0.65 0.50-0.80 1.25 1.00-1.50 0.600 3135
0.75
0.45-
0.40 0.35-0.45 0.65 0.50-0.80 1.25 1.00-1.50 0.600 3140
0.75
0.90-
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.45 0.30-0.60 1.75 1.50-2.00 1.100 3220
1.25
0.90-
0.30 0.25-0.35 0.45 0.30-0.60 1.75 1.50-2.00 1.100 3230
1.25
0.90-
0.40 0.35-0.45 0.45 0.30-0.60 1.75 1.50-2.00 1.100 3240
1.25
0.90-
0.50 0.45-0.55 0.45 0.30-0.60 1.75 1.50-2.00 1.100 3250
1.25
0.60-
0.15 0.10-0.20 0.60 0.45-0.75 3.00 2.75-3.25 0.800 3415
0.95
0.60-
0.35 0.30-0.40 0.60 0.45-0.75 3.00 2.75-3.25 0.800 3435
0.95
0.60-
0.50 0.45-0.55 0.60 0.45-0.75 3.00 2.75-3.25 0.800 3450
0.95
1.25-
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.45 0.30-0.60 3.50 3.25-3.75 1.500 3320
1.75
1.25-
0.30 0.25-0.35 0.45 0.30-0.60 3.50 3.25-3.75 1.500 3330
1.75
0.40 0.35-0.45 0.45 0.30-0.60 3.50 3.25-3.75 1.500 1.25- 3340

1.75
S. A. E. Specifications for Chromium and Chromium-Vanadium Steels *

Manganese, Per Chromium, Per Vanadium,
Carbon, Per Cent
Cent Cent Per Cent S. A. E. Specification
Min. and Min. and Min. and Number
Desired Desired Desired Desired Min.
Max. Max. Max.
Chromium Steels
0.20 0.15-0.25 # # 0.75 0.60-0.90 5120
0.40 0.35-0.45 # # 0.75 0.60-0.90 5140
0.65 0.60-0.70 # # 0.75 0.60-0.90 5165
1.00 0.95-1.10 0.35 0.20-0.50 1.35 1.20-1.50 52100
Chromium-Vanadium Steels
0.20 0.15-0.25 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6120
0.25 0.20-0.30 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6125
0.30 0.25-0.35 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6130
0.35 0.30-0.40 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6135
0.40 0.35-0.45 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6140
0.45 0.40-0.50 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6145
0.50 0.45-0.55 0.65 0.50-0.80 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6150
0.95 0.90-1.05 0.35 0.20-0.45 0.95 0.80-1.10 0.18 0.15 6195
* The phosphorus in chromium steels up to specification No. 5165 inclusive must not exceed 0.040 per cent;
the maximum amount for No. 52100 is 0.030 per cent. The maximum sulphur content is 0.045 per cent
except for steel No. 52100 which must not have over 0.030 per cent sulphur. The maximum amount of both
phosphorus and sulphur for all chromium-vanadium steels is 0.040 per cent, except No. 6195 which must not
have over 0.03 per cent.
# Two types of steel are available in this class, one with manganese from 0.25 to 0.50 per cent (0.35 per cent
desired) and silicon not over 0.20 per cent; the other with manganese from 0.60 to 0.80 per cent (0.70 per
cent desired) and silicon from 0.15 to 0.50 per cent.
Twenty Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1020). -- This steel is known to the trade as 0.20 per
cent carbon open-hearth steel and often as machine steel. It is intended primarily for casehardening, forges
well, machines well, but should not be considered as screw machine stock. This steel may e used for a large
variety of forged, machined, and casehardened automobile parts where strength is not paramount. Steel of
this quality may also be drawn into tubes and rolled into cold-rolled forms, and it is better for frames than the
0.10 per cent carbon steel as it is stronger. For automobile parts this steel may be used interchangeably with
the 0.10 per cent carbon steel as far as cold-processed shapes are concerned, and it is only the most difficult
cold-forming operations that will cause trouble from cracking.
The physical properties of this steel after heat treatment, and of others of higher carbon content, are given in
the table, "Physical Properties of Heat-treated Carbon Steels." These values apply to 1/2 to 1-1/2 inch round
specimens which were heated from 15 to 30 minutes to the temperatures given in the table, quenched in oil,
re-heated for 30 minutes and finally cooled in air. The physical properties given in the table referred to apply
to three re-heating temperatures.
Heat Treatment. -- Heat treatment of the 0.20 per cent carbon steel produces but little change so far as
strength is concerned, but it does cause a desirable refinement of the grain after forging, and materially
increases the toughness. The machining qualities can often be improved by heat treatment H. Casehardening
is the most important heat treatment for this quality of steel. The heat treatment depends upon the importance
of the part and upon its shape and size. When parts are not intended to carry much load or withstand any
shock, and the principal requirement is hardness, the simplest form of casehardening as obtained by heat
treatment A will suffice. Screws and rod-end pins are examples of this class of work. For more important
parts, such as gears, steering wheel pivot pins, cam rollers, push rods, and many similar automotive parts,
which must not only be hard on the surface but possess strength, the desired treatment is one which first
refines and strengthens the interior and uncarbonized metal. This is then followed by a treatment for refining
the exterior or carbonized metal. Heat treatment B is employed. In the case of very important parts, the last
drawing operation should be continued from one to three hours. The object of drawing is to relieve all
internal strains produced by quenching, and decrease the hardness. The last drawing operation can be omitted
with a large number of pieces. This steel when cold-rolled or cold-drawn will have a yield point of from
40,000 to 75,000 pounds per square inch for sections not over 1/2 inch round, or 1/4 inch thick in the case of
sheets or flat stock.
Hardness. -- The various degrees of hardness of the 0.20 per cent carbon steel conforming to the different
heat treatments listed in the table "Physical Properties of Heat-treated Carbon Steels" are as follows: For a
re-heating temperature of 400 degrees F., 180 Brinell and 34 scleroscope; for a re-heating temperature of 900
degrees F., 140 Brinell and 32 scleroscope; for a re-heating temperature of 1400 degrees F., 100 Brinell and
30 scleroscope.
S. A. E. Specifications for Tungsten and Silico-Manganese Steels

Tungsten Steels
Carbon, Per
Cent Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulphur, S. A. E.
Chromium, Tungsten, Per
Min. Max. Per Max. Per Max. Per Specification
Per Cent Cent
Desired and Cent Cent Cent Number
Max.
0.50-
0.60 0.30 0.035 0.035 3.00-4.00 12.0-15.0 71360
0.70
0.50-
0.60 0.30 0.035 0.035 3.00-4.00 15.0-18.0 71660
0.70
0.50-
0.60 0.30 0.035 0.035 3.00-4.00 1.50-2.00 7260
0.70
Silico-Manganese Steels
Carbon, Per
Manganese, Per Cent Silicon, Per Cent
Cent Phosphorus S. A. E.
Min. and Sulphur, Specification
Min. and Min. and Max. Number
Desired and Desired Desired
Max. Max.
Max.
0.45-
0.50 0.70 0.60-0.80 1.95 1.80-2.10 0.45 9250
0.55
0.55-
0.60 0.60 0.50-0.70 1.65 1.50-1.80 0.45 9260
0.65
Twenty-five Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1025). -- This steel is used extensively for frames
and for ordinary drop-forgings where moderate ductility is desired but great strength is not essential. It is not
intended for case-hardening, although by careful manipulation it may be so treated. This should be done in
emergencies only, rather than as regular practice, always employing the double heat treatment followed by a
drawing operation.
Heat treatment. -- Heat treatment has a moderate effect on the physical properties of the 0.25 per cent carbon
steel, but this effect is not nearly so marked as in the case of the 0.35 per cent carbon steel. Heat treatment H
or D may be employed, the former being simpler. The drawing operation must be varied to suit each
individual case. For instance, if great toughness and little increase in strength are desired, the higher drawing
temperatures (1100 degrees or 1200 degrees F.) may be used; whereas, if considerable strength is desired and
a little toughness, the lower temperatures are used. With some parts the drawing operation can be omitted
entirely. The double heat treatment D gives better results than heat treatment H, a better refinement of grain
being obtained.
Hardness. -- The various degrees of hardness conforming to the heat treatments listed in the table "Physical
Properties of Heat-treated Carbon Steels" are as follows: For a re-heating temperature of 400 degrees F., 215
Brinell and 37 scleroscope; for a re-heating temperature of 900 degrees F., 160 Brinell and 34 scleroscope;
for a re-heating temperature of 1400 degrees F., 110 Brinell and 30 scleroscope.
Thirty-five Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1035). -- This steel is sometimes referred to in the
trade as 0.35 per cent carbon machine steel. It is intended primarily for use as structural steel. It forges well,
machines well, and responds to heat treatment as regards strength and toughness. It can be used for all
forgings such as axles, driving shafts, steering pivots, and other structural parts. It is the best all-around
structural steel for such use as its strength warrants.
Heat treatment. -- Heat treatment for toughening and increasing the strength is important with this steel. The
heat treatment must be modified in accordance with the experience of each user and to suit the size of the
work as well as the combination of strength and toughness desired. The steel should be heat treated
whenever reliability is essential. Heat treatments H, D, or E may be employed. Machining may precede the
heat treatment, depending somewhat upon the convenience and nature of the treatment. When heat treatment
E is applied, machining may follow the second operation or the slow cooling after heating to from 1500
degrees to 1550 degrees F. To obtain the most strength, a quenching medium like brine should be used. The
yield point will then be correspondingly high, and the steel harder and more difficult to machine. If a
moderately high yield point will suffice, oil may be used for quenching, and then machining may follow
without any difficulty.
Forty-five Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1045). -- This steel is ordinarily known in the trade as
a 0.45 per cent carbon machine steel. It is a structural steel of greater strength than the 0.35 per cent carbon
steel, but its uses are more limited and are confined in general to such parts as require a higher degree of
strength and considerable toughness. With the proper heat treatment the fatigue-resisting or endurance
qualities are very high -- higher than in any of the steels previously mentioned. The 0.45 per cent carbon
steel is commonly used for crankshafts, driving shafts, and propeller shafts. It has also been used for
transmission gears, but is not quite hard enough without casehardening and is not tough enough with
casehardening to produce safe gears. This steel should not be used for casehardened parts. When properly
annealed it machines well, but not well enough for screw machine work.
Heat treatment. -- When 0.45 per cent carbon steel requires annealing, heat treatment E is suitable.
Machining may follow operation 2, after the steel has been slowly cooled from a temperature ranging
between 1500 degrees to 1550 degrees F. Heat treatment E is especially adapted to crankshafts and similar
parts. Heat treatment H is also commonly applied to this quality of steel.
Ninety-five Per Cent Carbon Steel (Specification No. 1095). -- This grade of steel is generally used for
springs, and when properly heat treated very good results are possible. The physical characteristics of heat-
treated spring steel are best determined by transverse tests, because steel as hard as tempered spring steel is
difficult to hold in the jaws of tensile testing machine. There is more or less slip and also side strains, all of
which tends to produce misleading results.
Heat treatment. -- Heat treatment F is recommended. It should be understood that the higher the drawing
temperature, the lower the yield point, but if the material is drawn to too low a temperature it will be brittle.
A few practical trials will indicate the best temper for any given shape or size of spring. The elastic limit of
steel subjected to heat treatment F, as determined by transverse tests, varies from 90,000 to 180,000 pounds
per square inch.
Nickel Steel -- 0.15 Per Cent Carbon (Specification No. 2315). -- This steel, containing 0.15 per cent
carbon and 3.5 per cent nickel, is suitable for carburizing purposes and will produce parts with exceedingly
strong and tough cores combined with a high-carbon exterior. This steel may also be used for structural
purposes, although it should not be selected for such a purpose when ordering materials, as much better
results will be obtained with a nickel steel higher in carbon. The 0.15 per cent carbon nickel steel is intended
for casehardened gears of transmission systems and for other casehardened parts requiring a very tough,
strong steel with a hardened outer surface. The composition of this steel and of others having a higher carbon
content, may be obtained from the accompanying table "S. A. E. Specifications for Nickel and Nickel-
chromium Steels." When used for structural purposes, the physical characteristics will range about as given
in the table "Physical Properties of Annealed and Heat-treated Alloy Steels," which also includes various
other alloy steels referred to later.
Heat treatment. -- Alloy steels in general should be heat-treated and not be used in an annealed or natural
condition, because the advantage of an annealed alloy steel as compared with a plain carbon steel is as a rule
not in proportion with the increased cost. By means of heat treatment, however, there is a very marked
improvement in physical characteristics.
The method of casehardening nickel steel No. 2315 may be varied considerably. As a rule, those parts which
are made of nickel steel requiere the best treatment for casehardening. Heat treatment G is recommended.
The second quenching (operation 6) should be at the lowest temperature at which the material will harden,
which is sometimes below 1300 degrees F. The final drawing (operation 7) may be omitted in some cases.
Parts of intricate shape with abrupt changes of thickness, sharp corners, etc. (especially sliding gears), should
always be drawn to relieve internal strains.
carbon and 3.5 per cent nickel, may be used interchangeably with steel No. 2315. The former, although
intended primarily for casehardening, may properly be used for structural parts, and when suitably heat
treated, will give elastic limits somewhat higher than the nickel steel containing 0.15 per cent carbon.
Heat treatment. -- For casehardening heat treatment G is recommended, and for structural purposes heat
treatment H or K. The quenching temperatures, as with other steels, may be modified to meet individual
cases.
Properties of Heat-treated Alloy Steels" are as follows: For a re-heating temperature of 400 degrees F., 375
Nickel Steel -- 0.30 Per Cent Carbon (Specification No. 2330). -- This steel containing 0.30 per cent
carbon and 3.5 per cent nickel, is intended primarily for heat-treated structural parts when strength and
toughness are desired, as in the case of axles, front wheel spindles, crankshafts, driving shafts and
transmission shafts. The physical characteristics of this steel are practically the same as those of No. 2320,
slight modifications in the heat treatment much more than offsetting the slight difference in carbon content.
Heat treatment. -- Heat treatment H may be employed, although a higher refinement may be obtained by heat
treatment K. Wide variations of yield point or elastic limit are possible by the use of different quenching
mediums (oil, water, or brine) and by varying the drawing temperatures from 500 up to 1200 degrees F.
Properties of Heat-treated Alloy Steels" are as follows: For a re-heating temperature of 400 degrees F.,
Brinell 436 and scleroscope 60; for a re-heating temperature of 900 degrees F., Brinell 300 and scleroscope
46; for a re-heating temperature of 1400 degrees F., Brinell 150 and scleroscope 30.
Nickel Steel -- 0.35 Per Cent Carbon (Specification No. 2335). -- The preceding remarks regarding nickel
steel No. 2330 may also be applied to this steel which contains 3.5 per cent nickel and 0.35 per cent carbon.
It will respond a little more sharply to heat treatment, and can be forced to higher elastic limits.
carbon and 3.5 per cent nickel, is not used extensively. As the carbon content is higher than generally used,
greater hardness is obtained by quenching and as this is accompanied by increased brittleness, the treatments
must be modified to meet this condition. For example, the final quenching may be at a relatively low
temperature and the final drawing temperature must be determined carefully in order to produce the desired
toughness and other physical characteristics.
Nickel-chromium Steel -- 0.20 Per Cent Carbon (Specification No. 3120). -- By referring to the
accompanying table, "S. A. E. Specifications for Nickel and Nickel-chromium Steels," it will be seen that
there are five nickel-chromium steels (specifications Nos. 3120 to 3140 inclusive) which differ as to carbon
content but have the same percentage of manganese, nickel and chromium. The nickel-chromium steel
conforming to specification No. 3120 is intended primarily for case-hardening, and it may also be used for
structural parts if suitably heat-treated. This steel should not be used in a natural or untreated condition.
The four grades of steel conforming to specification numbers 3125, 3130, 3135 and 3140 are intended for
structural purposes, and are used in a heat-treated condition. Steels Nos. 3125 and 3130 may be used for
casehardening.
Heat treatment. -- In general, the heat treatments and the properties resulting from them are much the same
for nickel-chromium steels as for plain nickel steels, except that the effects of heat treatment are somewhat
augmented by the chromium and increase with increasing amounts of nickel and chromium. Steel
conforming to specification No. 3120 is casehardened by heat treatment G, and when used in structural parts
is given heat treatment H or D. Heat treatment H, D or E is applied to steels Nos. 3125, 3130, 3135 and
3140.
Other Nickel-chromium Steels. -- The important applications of the other nickel-chromium steels listed in
the table "S. A. E. Specifications for Nickel and Nickel-chromium Steels" are as follows: Specification No.
3220. -- This steel is intended for casehardened parts, but when this grade of steel is required, very careful
heat treatment is necessary, heat treatment G being recommended. This same steel may also be used for
structural purposes, in which case it should receive heat treatment H or D.
Specification No. 3230. -- This grade of nickel-chromium steel is intended for the most important structural
parts and should be used only in a heat-treated condition. Heat treatment H or D is recommended.
Specification No. 3240. -- This quality of steel is suitable for structural parts requiring unusual strength.
Higher elastic limit is possible with a given heat treatment than in the case of a steel like No. 3230. The
toughness will not be quite as great, but the steel is applicable where strength rather than toughness is the
controlling factor. Heat treatment H or D is recommended.
Specification No. 3250. -- This steel is intended for gears requiring extreme strength and hardness. Either
heat treatment M or Q should be applied, Q giving the better results.
Specification No. 3415. -- This steel is intended primarily for casehardening. It is considerably higher in
nickel than the nickel-chromium steels previously referred to. Heat treatment G should be followed unless
the steel is used for structural parts, when heat treatment M is applied.
Specification No. 3435. -- This steel is intended for very important structural parts such as crankshafts, axles,
spindles, driving shafts and transmission shafts. Heat treatment P or R is recommended. This steel is not
intended for casehardening.
Specification No. 3450. -- This quality of steel may also be used for gears requiring extreme strength and
hardness. Heat treatment R should be used, although heat treatment P is also applicable.
Specification No. 3320. -- The remarks made in connection with No. 3220 apply to this steel also. There is no
appreciable difference in the physical characteristics. Heat treatment L should be used for carburizing.
Specification No. 3330. -- This steel, like 3230, is intended for very important structural parts. The high
nickel and chromium contents make it exceedingly tough and strong when treated according to heat
treatment P or R.
Specification No. 3340. -- This steel is suitable for gears to be hardened without carburizing. The remarks
made in connection with steel No. 3240 and 3250 apply. Heat treatment L should be used.
Chromium Steels. -- Four grades of chromium steels are included in the accompanying table "S. A. E.
Specifications for Chromium and Chromium-vanadium Steels". Chromium steel No. 5120 is a casehardening
grade of much better quality than carbon steel and is similar in this respect to nickel steel No. 2320 and
nickel-chromium steel No. 3120. Heat treatment B is recommended for steel No. 5120. Chromium steel No.
5140 is similar to nickel-chromium steel No. 3140. When given heat treatment H or D, it is suitable for high-
duty shafting, etc. The drawing temperature should be moderately high, in order to secure a safe degree of
toughness.
Physical Properties of Heat-Treated Carbon Steels

(From Reports of Iron and Steel Division -- Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.)
Physical Properties -- Average Minimum Values given *
Range of Range of
Carbon Manganese Re- Tensile Elastic
Heating Reduction Elongation
Content, Per Content, Per heating Strength, LImit,
Temp., of Area, in 2 Inches,
Cent Cent Temp., Lbs. per Sq. Lbs. per
Deg. F. Per Cent. Per Cent
Deg. F. In. Sq. In.
400 80,000 50,000 60.0 20.0
1560-
0.15-0.25 0.30-0.60 900 75,000 42,500 65.0 26.5
1580
1400 70,000 35,000 70.0 32.5
400 90,000 60,000 55.0 17.0
1540-
0.20-0.30 0.50-0.80 900 82,500 50,000 61.0 23.5
1560
1400 75,000 40,00 67.5 30.0
400 105,000 75,000 42.5 15.0
1510-
0.30-0.40 0.50-0.80 900 94,000 63,000 52.5 21.5
1530
1400 82,000 50,000 62.5 28.0
400 125,000 90,000 35.0 12.5
1490-
0.40-0.5 0.50-0.80 900 110,000 75,000 45.0 17.5
1510
1400 95,000 60,000 55.0 22.5
* These values apply to round specimens varying from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inch in diameter, which were heated from
fifteen to thirty minutes, quenched in oil, re-heated for thirty minutes at the temperature given in the table,
and finally cooled in air.
Chromium-vanadium Steels. -- The specifications of eight different grades are given in the table "S. A. E.
Specifications for Chromium and Chromium-vanadium Steels." The principal applications of these steels are
as follows:
Specification No. 6120. -- This quality of steel is intended primarily for casehardening. It is used for the most
important parts, such as casehardened shafts, gears, etc. While this steel may be used in a heat-treated
condition for structural purposes, some of the steels referred to in the following are preferable, particularly
where greater strength is desired. Heat treatment S is recommended for casehardening and heat treatment for
structural parts.
Specification No. 6125. -- The difference between this steel and No. 6120 is very slight, and they may be
used interchangeably for structural purposes. This steel may be casehardened, but it is not first choice for this
purpose.
Specification No. 6130. -- This steel can be used interchangeably with No. 6125 for structural purposes, but it
should not be used for casehardening. When subjected to heat treatment T, it possesses a high degree of
combined strength and toughness.
Specification No. 6135. -- This specification provides an excellent quality of steel for structural parts that are
to be heat-treated. The fatigue-resisting or endurance qualities of this steel are very good. Heat treatment T is
recommended.
Specification No. 6140. -- This is a very good quality of steel for use where a high degree of strength is
desired in conjunction with considerable toughness. Its fatigue-resisting qualities are very high, and it is a
first-class material for high-duty shafts. Heat treatment T is recommended.
Specification No. 6145. -- This quality of steel contains sufficient carbon in combination with chromium and
vanadium to harden to a considerable degree when quenched at a suitable temperature, and it may be used
for gears and springs. For gears this steel should be annealed after forging and before machining, the
annealing being done by following operations 1 and 2 of heat treatment U. For structural parts requiring
great strength, heat treatment T is recommended.
Specification No. 6150. -- The remarks regarding steel No. 6145 apply to this steel. It is suitable for springs,
and when given the right heat treatment, very high elastic limits are obtained. For spring material, heat
treatment U is recommended, except that the last drawing (operation 6) temperature should be higher --
probably from 700 degrees to 1100 degrees F. -- the temperature varying with the section of the material.
Silico-manganese Steels. -- The two silico-manganese steels listed in the accompanying table of
specifications have been standardized by usage principally as spring steel. No. 9260 is also used to some
extent for gears. Neither steel is suitable for use without heat treatment. The two specifications are given to
meet the requirements of, first, those manufacturers believing in relatively low-carbon and high-silicon steel,
and those desiring higher carbon and lower silicon.
Physical Properties of Heat-treated Alloy Steels

Nickel Steels
Physical Properties -- Average Minimum Values given *
Range of Range of
Carbon Nickel Re- Tensile
Heating Elastic Reduction Elongation
Content, Per Content, Per heating Strength,
Temp., LImit, Lbs. of Area, in 2 Inches,
Cent Cent Temp., Lbs. per Sq.
Deg. F. per Sq. In. Per Cent. Per Cent
Deg. F. In.
400 170,000 140,000 45.0 11
1510-
0.15-0.25 900 130,000 99,000 60.5 21.5
1540
1400 70,000 40,000 75.0 30
400 220,000 190,000 35.0 10.0
1485-
0.25-0.35 3.25-3.75 900 140,000 115,000 54.0 16.0
1515
1400 80,000 50,000 70.0 25.0
400 240,000 215,000 32.5 10.0
1534-
0.35-0.45 900 155,000 130,000 51.0 16.0
1465
1400 90,000 60,000 62.5 22.5
1.00-1.50 400 160,000 120,000 52.5 15.0
1585-
0.15-0.25 900 111,000 84,000 69.0 21.0
1615
1400 75,000 50,000 72.5 35.0
0.25-0.35 1535- 400 190,000 155,000 37.5 10.0
1565
900 134,000 102,000 63.0 17.5
1400 80,000 70,000 70.0 30.0

400 230,000 200,000 27.0 7.5
1485-
0.35-0.45 900 157,000 126,000 46.5 14.0
1515
1400 90,000 75,000 62.0 20.0
Physical Properties of Annealed and Heat-treated Alloy Steels

Annealed Heat-treated
S.A.E. Yield Point, Reduction Elongation Heat Yield Point, Reduction Elongation
Spec. Lbs. per Sq. of Area, Per in 2 in., Per Treatment Lbs. per Sq. of Area, Per in 2 in., Per
In. Cent Cent Letter # In. Cent Cent
Nickel Steels
35,000- 40,000-
2315 65-45 35-25 H or K 65-40 35-15
45,000 80,000
40,000- 50,000-
2320 65-40 30-20 H or K 65-40 25-10
50,000 125,000
40,000- 60,000-
2330 60-40 30-20 H or K 60-30 25-10
50,000 130,000
45,000- 65,000-
2335 55-35 25-15 H or K 55-25 25-10
55,000 160,000
55,000- 70,000-
2340 50-30 25-15 H or K 55-15 25- 5
65,000 200,000
30,000- 40,000-
3120 55-40 35-25 H or D 65-40 25-15
40,000 100,000
40,000- 50,000-
3125 50-35 30-20 H, D or E 55-25 25-10
55,000 125,000
40,000- 50,000-
3130 50-35 30-20 H, D or E 55-25 25-10
55,000 125,000
45,000- 55,000-
3135 45-30 25-15 H, D or E 50-25 20- 5
60,000 150,000
45,000- 55,000-
3140 45-30 25-15 H, D or E 50-25 20- 5
60,000 150,000
35,000- 45,000-
3220 60-45 25-20 H or D 65-30 20- 5
45,000 120,000
40,000- 60,000-
3230 55-40 25-15 H or D 60-30 20- 5
50,000 175,000
45,000- 65,000-
3240 50-40 25-15 H or D 50-20 15- 2
60,000 200,000
50,000- 150,000-
3250 50-40 25-15 M or Q 25-15 15- 2
60,000 200,000
3415 35,000- 60-45 25-20 M 40,000- 65-30 20- 5
45,000 100,000
45,000- 60,000-
3435 55-40 25-15 P or R 60-30 20- 5
55,000 175,000
Chromium-Vanadium Steels
40,000- 55,000-
6120 65-50 30-20 T 65-45 25-10
50,000 100,000
40,000- 55,000-
6125 65-50 30-20 T 65-45 25-10
50,000 100,000
45,000- 60,000-
6130 60-50 25-20 T 55-25 15- 5
55,000 150,000
45,000- 60,000-
6135 60-50 25-20 T 55-25 15- 5
55,000 150,000
50,000- 65,000-
6140 55-45 25-15 T 50-15 15- 2
60,000 175,000
55,000- 150,000-
6145 55-40 25-15 U 25-10 10- 2
65,000 200,000
60,000- 150,000-
6150 50-35 20-15 U 35-15 10- 2
70,000 225,000
Silico-Manganese Steels
55,000- 60,000-
9250 45-30 25-20 V 40-10 20- 5
65,000 180,000
55,000- 60,000-
9260 45-30 25-20 V 40-10 20- 5
65,000 180,000
High-Chromium or "Stainless" Steel. --
Heat treatment. --
Heat treatment for Valves. --
Comparison of Physical Properties for High-Chromium Steels of

Different Carbon Content.
Composition
Heat Treatments
and C 0.20 C 0.27 C 0.50
Physical Properties Mn 0.45 Mn 0.50
Cr 12.56 Cr 12.24 Cr 14.84
Quenched in oil from degrees F. 1600 1600 1650
Tempered at degrees F. 1160 1080 1100
Yield point, lb. per sq. in. 78300 75000 91616
Tensile strength, lb. per sq. in. 104600 104250 123648
Elongation in 2 in., per cent 25.0 23.5 14.5
Reduction of area, per cent 52.5 51.4 33.5
Cobaltcrom Steel. -- This is a tungstenless alloy steel or high-speed steel which contains approximately 1.5
per cent carbon, 12.5 per cent chromium, and 3.5 per cent cobalt. Tools such as dies, milling cutters, etc.,
made from cobaltcrom steel can be cast to shape in suitable molds, the teeth of cutters being formed so that it
is necessary only to grind them.
Before the blanks can be machined, they must be annealed; this operation is performed by pack-annealing at
the temperature of 1800 degrees F., for a period of from three to six hours, according to the size of the
castings being annealed. The following directions are given for the hardening of blanking and trimming dies,
milling cutters, and similar tools made from cobaltcrom steel: Heat slowly in a hardening furnace to about
1830 degrees F., and hold the temperature at this point until the tools are thoroughly soaked. Then reduce the
temperature about 50 degrees, withdraw the tools from the furnace, and allow them to cool in the
atmosphere. As soon as the red color disappears from the cooling tool, place it in quenching oil until cold.
The slight drop of 50 degrees in temperature while the tool is still in the hardening furnace is highly
important in order to obtain proper results. The steel will be injured if the tool is heated above 1860 degrees
F. In cooling milling cutters or other rotary tools, it is suggested that they be suspended on a wire to insure a
uniform rate of cooling.
Tools that are subjected to shocks or vibration, such as pneumatic rivet sets, shear blades, etc., should be
heated slowly to 1650 degrees F., after which the temperature should be reduced to about 1610 degrees F., at
which point the tool should be removed from the furnace and permitted to cool in the atmosphere. There is
no appreciable scaling present in the hardening of cobaltcrom steel tools.
General Properties of Alloy Steels. -- Alloy or "special" steels are combinations of iron and carbon with
some other element, such as nickel, chromium, tungsten, vanadium, manganese and molybdenum. All of
these metals give certain distinct properties to the steel, but in all cases the principal quality is the increase in
hardness and toughness.
Nickel steel usually contains from 3 to 3.5 per cent nickel (ordinarily not over 5 per cent), and from 0.20 to
0.40 per cent carbon. This steel is used for armor plate, ammunition, bridge construction, rails, etc. One of
the reasons why nickel steel is adapted for armor plate is that it does not crack when perforated by a
projectile. The Krupp steel used for armor plate contains approximately 3.5 per cent nickel, 1.5 per cent
chromium and 0.25 per cent carbon. The advantages claimed for nickel steel for railroad rails are its
increased resistance to abrasion and high elastic limit. On sharp curves, it has been estimated that a nickel
steel rail will outlast four ordinary rails.
Chromium steel is well adapted for armor-piercing projectiles, owing to its hardness, toughness and stiffness,
and is extensively used for this purpose. Chromium steel is also used in the construction of safes and for
castings subjected to unusually severe stresses, such as those used in rock-crushing machinery, etc. The
percentage of chromium used in chromium steels varies over quite a wide range in the low-chromium and
high-chromium steels.
Tungsten steel is largely employed for high-speed metal cutting tools and magnet steels. It has also been used
in the manufacture of armor plate and armor-piercing projectiles, in which case it is combined either with
nickel or chromium or with both of these metals. The property that tunsten imparts to steel is that of
hardening in the air, after heating to the required temperature. This steel usually contains 5 to 15 per cent
tungsten (although the percentage is sometimes as high as 24 per cent) and from 0.4 to 2 per cent carbon.
Vanadium steels ordinarily contain 0.16 to 0.25 per cent vanadium. The effect of vanadium is to increase the
tensile strength and elastic limit, and it gives the steel the valuable property of resisting, to an unusual
degree, repeated stresses. Vanadium steel is especially adapted for springs, car axles, gears subjected to
severe service, and for all parts which must withstand constant vibration and varying stresses.
Manganese steel (also known as Hadfield managanese steel) contains about 12 per cent manganese and from
0.8 to 1.25 per cent carbon. If there is only 1.5 per cent manganese, the steel is very brittle, and additional
manganese increases this brittleness until the quantity has reached 4 to 5.5 per cent, when the steel can be
pulverized under the hammer. With a further increase of manganese, the steel becomes ductile and very hard,
these qualities being at there highest degree when the manganese content is 12 per cent. The ductility of the
steel is brought out by sudden cooling, the process being opposite that employed for carbon steel.
Molybdenum steels have properties similar to tungsten steels, except that a smaller quantity of molybdenum
than of tungsten is required to secure corresponding results.
Screw Stock. -- The composition of ordinary screw stock should be, in general, about as follows: Carbon,
from 0.08 to 0.20 per cent; manganese, 0.30 o 0.80 per cent; phosphorus, not to exceed 0.12 per cent;
sulphur, 0.06 to 0.12 per cent. Screw stock is easily machined and cheap, but lacks strength and toughness
and is not safe for vital parts. Screws made from hot-rolled bars of this material should be heat-treated and
not used in an annealed condition. Screws made from cold-rolled bars are much stronger, but the best results,
in either case, are obtained by the following heat treatment: After machining, heat to 1500 degrees F.;
quench; re-heat from 600 degrees to 1300 degrees F., and cool slowly.
TESTING THE HARDNESS OF METALS

is the next section, and I'll consider typing it up. But gimme some feedback first.
Later -- I got some feedback, after a couple of years, from someone who would like to see that next section,
and though it's just one person, I'll guess that it would be useful to more. So I'll get started soon. (This
paragraph written 6/29/98)
Further: 4/24/00, got another request. Total of two. OK, I'll start on it.
Here's the link:Testing the Hardness of Metals
Detailed table of contents

First section: Furnaces and Baths for Heating Steel
Previous section: Casehardening
Comments to: ebear@zianet.com (Eric Bear Albrecht)
My home page

Heat Treatment of Steel

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Heat Treatment of Steel

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

10/1/2019 Heat Treatment of Steel

Heat Treatment of Steel

From the 1924 edition of Machinery's Handbook

Application and Heat Treatment of

Heat Treatments for Carbon and Alloy Steels

After forging or machining:

S. A. E. Specifications for Carbon Steels

S. A. E. Specifications for Nickel and Nickel-Chromium Steels

Manganese, Per Chromium, Per

0.40 0.35-0.45 0.45 0.30-0.60 3.50 3.25-3.75 1.500 1.25- 3340

S. A. E. Specifications for Chromium and Chromium-Vanadium Steels *

S. A. E. Specifications for Tungsten and Silico-Manganese Steels

Physical Properties of Heat-Treated Carbon Steels

Physical Properties of Heat-treated Alloy Steels

1400 80,000 70,000 70.0 30.0

Physical Properties of Annealed and Heat-treated Alloy Steels

High-Chromium or "Stainless" Steel. --

Heat treatment for Valves. --

Comparison of Physical Properties for High-Chromium Steels of

TESTING THE HARDNESS OF METALS

Detailed table of contents

Вам также может понравиться