Forging alloy steel is an important part of Anderson Shumaker’s production. Our skilled team knows their metals inside and out. But, not everyone is familiar with the many materials we forge. Each metal has its own unique properties and attributes. Therefore, not all metals are appropriate for all products. Last week we discussed tool steel. Today we’ll take a look at alloy steel, one of our most commonly forged materials.
What’s in an Alloy?
An alloy is a combination of metals defined by a bonding character. Generally, alloy steel is an iron-based material mixed with a variety of elements in the range of 1.00% up to 50.0%. These elements enhance the material’s physical property. Moreover, the combination of alloys and elements forged together determines the finished material’s physical strength and final properties. Common added alloys are: chromium, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, vanadium boron, and silicon.
Heat treatment is key in forging alloy steels. Heat treating is what gives alloys increased strength, resistance, and toughness. Alloy steels are used in a wide variety of applications. Anderson Shumaker forges alloy steel in a variety of shapes including rolled rings, discs, flat and round bars, and custom shapes.
Why Use Alloys?
When properly forged, alloy metals can provide greater wear, toughness, and fatigue strength. In some cases, combining metals reduces material costs while still preserving important metallurgic properties. Anderson Shumaker’s most popular alloy steels include: 4130, 4140, 4330, 4340, 8620, 8630, 9310, Nitralloy 135, F11, F22, and F91. Forged alloy steel is used in many applications such as aerospace and special machinery.
These are some basic alloying descriptions:
- Adding manganese, silicon, nickel and copper results in an increase in strength by forming solid solutions in ferrite which is ideal for extreme heat exposure
- Chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten: increases strength by forming second phase carbides
- Nickel and copper: improves corrosion resistance
- Molybdenum: helps to resist embrittlement
Don’t see the alloy you need, or not sure which to choose? You can always call us (800) 932-0357 or request a quote to talk a member of our sales team. We often work in many metals and grades not listed on our website or current Stock List.
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