Low alloy martensitic chrome steel, AISI 52100 thanks to its high hardness, wear resistance, surface finishing and dimensional precision, it is widely used to manufacture mechanical components.
Chromium (Cr) has a tendency to increase hardness penetration. Chromium can also increase the toughness and wear resistanceof steel. Probably one of the most well known effects of chromium on steel is the tendency to resist staining and corrosion. Steels with 12% or more chromium are referred to as stainless steels.
Property Results
Chemistry Data :
Carbon
0.98 - 1.1
Chromium
1.3 - 1.6
Iron
Balance
Manganese
0.25 - 0.45
Phosphorus
0.025 max
Silicon
0.15 - 0.35
Sulphur
0.025 max
Hardening:
The alloy hardens from cold working or by heating and quenching - see "Heat Treatment". It also may be carburized at 1675 F and quenched after sufficient time for carburization. A second heating to 1450 F and second quench from that temperature should be used.
Tempering:
Temper at 400 F
Annealing:
Anneal at 1600 F and slow cool to relieve machining or cold working strains.
Cold Working:
The alloy has good ductility and may be cold worked in the annealed or normalized conditions by conventional methods.
Hot Working:
Hot working, such as upsetting, may be done in the range of 400 to 1000 F.
Forging:
The alloy may be supplied as forgings and also may be subsequently forged at 2200 F down to 1700 F
Heat Treatment:
Heat treatment consists of heating to 1500 F followed by an oil quench for through hardening of the alloy. A normalizing heat treatment at 1600 F and slow cooling, to relieve machining stress, may be employed prior to the 1500 F and quench treatment.
Welding:
This is a high carbon alloy typically used in bearing applications where welding is not applicable.
Forming:
52100 may be formed by all conventional methods, including cold forging or stamping and hot or cold upset forming.
Machinability:
Machinability of 52100 alloy is good by conventional methods. A spherodizing anneal at 1200 F before machining will improve the overall machinability of the alloy.
Applications:
Principal applications are those for bearings in rotating machinery.
Principal Design Features:
52100 is a high carbon, chromium containing low alloy steel that is through hardening and noted in particular for use as bearings.
