Sep 26 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical CompositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesOther DesignationsFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Welding Heat Treatment Forging AnnealingApplications
Introduction
Alloy steels are designated by AISI four-digit numbers. They are more responsive to heat and mechanical treatments than carbon steels. They comprise various types of steels having compositions which exceed the limitations of Va, Cr, Si, Ni, Mo, C and B in the carbon steels.
The following datasheet will provide more details about AISI A5160 alloy steel, which has high ductility, excellent toughness and high tensile-yield ratio.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of AISI 5160 alloy steel is listed in the following table.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Iron, Fe |
97.085 - 97.84 |
| Manganese, Mn |
0.750 - 1 |
| Chromium, Cr |
0.7 - 0.9 |
| Carbon, C |
0.560 - 0.640 |
| Phosphorous, P |
≤ 0.0350 |
| Silicon, Si |
0.150 - 0.3 |
| Sulfur, S |
≤ 0.04 |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of AISI 5160 alloy steel.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
7.85 g/cm3 |
0.284 lb/in³ |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of AISI 5160 alloy steel are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength, ultimate |
724 MPa |
105000 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield |
275 MPa |
39900 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity |
190-210 GPa |
27557-30458 ksi |
| Bulk modulus (typical for steel) |
140 GPa |
20300 ksi |
| Shear modulus (typical for steels) |
80 GPa |
11600 ksi |
| Poissons ratio |
0.27 – 0.30 |
0.27-0.30 |
| Elongation at break (in 50mm) |
17.20% |
17.20% |
| Hardness, Brinell |
197 |
197 |
| Hardness, Knoop (converted from Brinell hardness) |
219 |
219 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (converted from Brinell hardness) |
92 |
92 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (converted from Brinell hardness, value below normal HRC range, for comparison purposes only) |
13 |
13 |
| Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness) |
207 |
207 |
| Machinability (spheroidized annealed and cold drawn. Based on 100% machinability for AISI 1212 steel) |
55 |
55 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of AISI 5160 alloy steel are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal conductivity |
46.6 W/mK |
323 BTU in/hr.ft2. °F |
Other Designations
Other designations that are equivalent to AISI 5160 alloy steel include the following:
- ASTM A29
- ASTM A322
- ASTM A331
- ASTM A505
- ASTM A519
- ASTM A752
- ASTM A829
- SAE J1397
- SAE J404
- SAE J412
- SAE J770
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Machining 5160 alloy steel is difficult in “as rolled” condition. Hence, the steel should be annealed before machining to obtain maximum speeds.
Welding
AISI 5160 alloy steel has poor welding property owing to its high chromium and carbon content. Either arc or gas welding methods can be used to weld the steel.
Heat Treatment
AISI 5160 alloy steel is generally hardened using oil. This steel is quenched at 829°C (1525°F) and tempered at temperatures ranging from 427 and 704°C (800 and 1300°F).
Forging
Forging of 5160 alloy steel is performed at temperatures between 1149 and 1204°C (2100 and 2200°F).
Annealing
AISI 5160 alloy steel is annealed at 788°C (1450°F) and then air cooled.
Applications
AISI 5160 alloy steel is suitable for manufacturing leaf springs used in automotive field.