As an open die forging company, Anderson Shumaker produces steel in a variety of shapes including rolled rings, discs, flat and round bars as well as custom shapes.

Alloy steel is the most commonly used metal for forging. This is because forged alloy steel is known for being stronger, more wear resistant and tougher compared to carbon steel forgings. Alloy steel is considered to be iron-based alloys that has been alloyed or mixed with a variety of elements in the range of 1.00 – up to 50.0% to enhance the physical properties. The combination of alloys and elements forged together is what determines the phyical strengths and properties of the metal. Common alloys added are chromium, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, vanadium boron and silicon.To achieve these properties of increased stregnth, resistance and toughness, alloy steel forging is typically done by heat treatment, also known as hot forging. Anderson Shumaker maintains an extensive inventory of alloy steel.

Our most popular open die alloy steels to forge include 4130, 4140, 4330, 4340, 8620, 8630, 9310, Nitralloy 135, F11, F22, and F91.

These are some basic alloying descriptions:

  • Adding manganese, silicon, nickel and copper to the alloys results in an increase in strength by forming solid solutions in ferrite which is ideal for extreme heat exposure.
  • Chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten increase strength by forming second phase carbides.
  • Nickel and copper improve corrosion resistance.
  • Molybdenum helps to resist embrittlement.

There are many alloy steels and elements to choose to forge at Anderson Shumaker. Forged alloy steel is used in many applications such as aerospace and special machinery. A good rule of thumb is to keep in mind that the industry dictates what alloying may be necessary to achieve desired properties, along with proper heat treatment of parts.

Popular Alloy Steels

  1. Stainless steel: It is a corrosion-resistant alloy steel that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. It is widely used in various applications like construction, automotive, medical, aerospace, and more.
  2. Tool steel: Tool steels are high carbon and alloy steels that are designed to provide high wear resistance, toughness, and hardness. They are commonly used for cutting, drilling, and shaping materials.
  3. Carbon steel: It is an alloy steel that contains carbon in different amounts. It is widely used in the construction, automotive, and machinery industries.
  4. Alloy steel: It is a steel that has been alloyed with other elements like nickel, chromium, manganese, and more to enhance its properties. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.
  5. High-speed steel: It is a type of tool steel that is designed to provide high wear resistance and toughness at high temperatures. It is commonly used for cutting tools like drills, taps, and reamers.
  6. Maraging steel: It is a type of alloy steel that is designed to provide high strength and toughness. It is commonly used in the aerospace and defense industries.
  7. Chromium-molybdenum steel: It is a type of alloy steel that contains chromium and molybdenum. It is commonly used in oil and gas drilling, automotive, and construction industries.
  8. Nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel: It is a type of alloy steel that contains nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. It is commonly used in the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries.
  9. Tungsten steel: It is a type of high-speed steel that contains tungsten. It is commonly used for cutting tools and high-temperature applications.
  10. Silicon steel: It is a type of alloy steel that contains silicon. It is commonly used in electrical and magnetic applications.

Alloy Steel Forging Photos