1074 Steel: Properties and Key Applications Overview
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Table Of Content
Table Of Content
1074 Steel is classified as a medium-carbon alloy steel, primarily composed of iron with a carbon content ranging from 0.70% to 0.80%. This steel grade is known for its excellent balance of strength, hardness, and ductility, making it suitable for various engineering applications. The primary alloying elements in 1074 steel include manganese, which enhances hardenability and strength, and silicon, which improves deoxidation during steelmaking.
Comprehensive Overview
1074 Steel is recognized for its high tensile strength and wear resistance, which are critical in applications requiring durability and performance under stress. The medium carbon content allows for good machinability and weldability, although care must be taken to avoid cracking during welding processes.
Advantages:
- High Strength and Hardness: The carbon content contributes to the steel's ability to achieve high hardness levels after heat treatment, making it ideal for tools and components subjected to wear.
- Good Ductility: Despite its strength, 1074 steel maintains a level of ductility that allows for forming and shaping without fracturing.
- Versatile Applications: Commonly used in manufacturing springs, automotive components, and various machinery parts.
Limitations:
- Limited Corrosion Resistance: 1074 steel is not inherently corrosion-resistant, necessitating protective coatings or treatments in corrosive environments.
- Weldability Concerns: While it can be welded, the risk of cracking increases if not properly managed, particularly in thicker sections.
Historically, 1074 steel has been utilized in various industries, particularly in the production of high-performance springs and tools, due to its favorable mechanical properties.
Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents
| Standard Organization | Designation/Grade | Country/Region of Origin | Notes/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS | G10740 | USA | Closest equivalent to AISI 1074 |
| AISI/SAE | 1074 | USA | Medium-carbon steel with high hardness potential |
| ASTM | A830-74 | USA | Standard specification for carbon steel plates |
| EN | C75S | Europe | Similar properties but with slight compositional differences |
| JIS | S45C | Japan | Comparable grade with minor differences in alloying elements |
The differences between these grades can affect performance, particularly in terms of hardenability and response to heat treatment. For instance, while AISI 1074 and C75S are similar, the latter may have slightly different mechanical properties due to variations in manganese content.
Key Properties
Chemical Composition
| Element (Symbol) | Percentage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.70 - 0.80 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 - 0.90 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 - 0.40 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.05 |
The primary role of key alloying elements in 1074 steel includes:
- Carbon: Increases hardness and strength through heat treatment.
- Manganese: Enhances hardenability and improves toughness.
- Silicon: Acts as a deoxidizer and contributes to strength.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temper | Typical Value/Range (Metric) | Typical Value/Range (Imperial) | Reference Standard for Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Annealed | 600 - 850 MPa | 87 - 123 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | Annealed | 350 - 600 MPa | 51 - 87 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Elongation | Annealed | 15 - 20% | 15 - 20% | ASTM E8 |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | Quenched & Tempered | 50 - 60 HRC | 50 - 60 HRC | ASTM E18 |
| Impact Strength | -40°C | 30 - 50 J | 22 - 37 ft-lbf | ASTM E23 |
The combination of these mechanical properties makes 1074 steel suitable for applications requiring high strength and toughness, such as in automotive and machinery components. Its ability to be heat-treated allows for customization of properties to meet specific application requirements.
Physical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temperature | Value (Metric) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | - | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.284 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | - | 1425 - 1540 °C | 2600 - 2800 °F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 20°C | 50 W/m·K | 34.5 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F |
| Specific Heat Capacity | - | 460 J/kg·K | 0.11 BTU/lb·°F |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20 - 100 °C | 11.5 x 10⁻⁶/K | 6.4 x 10⁻⁶/°F |
Key physical properties such as density and thermal conductivity are significant for applications where weight and heat dissipation are critical factors. The relatively high melting point indicates good performance under elevated temperatures, while the thermal expansion coefficient suggests moderate expansion under temperature changes.
Corrosion Resistance
| Corrosive Agent | Concentration (%) | Temperature (°C) | Resistance Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorides | 3 - 10 | 25 - 60 | Fair | Risk of pitting |
| Sulfuric Acid | 10 - 30 | 20 - 40 | Poor | Not recommended |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 5 - 20 | 20 - 60 | Fair | Risk of stress corrosion |
1074 steel exhibits limited corrosion resistance, particularly in environments containing chlorides and acids. It is susceptible to pitting and stress corrosion cracking, especially in humid or saline conditions. Compared to stainless steels like 304 or 316, 1074 steel's performance in corrosive environments is significantly inferior, making it less suitable for applications exposed to harsh conditions.
Heat Resistance
| Property/Limit | Temperature (°C) | Temperature (°F) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Service Temp | 300 | 572 | Suitable for moderate temperatures |
| Max Intermittent Service Temp | 400 | 752 | Short-term exposure only |
| Scaling Temperature | 600 | 1112 | Risk of oxidation beyond this temp |
At elevated temperatures, 1074 steel maintains its strength but may begin to oxidize, particularly above 600 °C. Careful consideration is necessary for applications involving high-temperature exposure, as prolonged use can lead to degradation of mechanical properties.
Fabrication Properties
Weldability
| Welding Process | Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification) | Typical Shielding Gas/Flux | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIG | ER70S-6 | Argon + CO2 | Preheat recommended |
| TIG | ER70S-2 | Argon | Post-weld heat treatment may be needed |
1074 steel can be welded using standard processes like MIG and TIG. However, preheating is often recommended to minimize the risk of cracking, particularly in thicker sections. Post-weld heat treatment can help relieve stresses and improve toughness.
Machinability
| Machining Parameter | 1074 Steel | AISI 1212 | Notes/Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Machinability Index | 60 | 100 | 1074 is less machinable than 1212 |
| Typical Cutting Speed (Turning) | 30 m/min | 50 m/min | Adjust tooling accordingly |
1074 steel exhibits moderate machinability. Optimal conditions include using sharp tools and appropriate cutting speeds to prevent work hardening. Challenges may arise due to its hardness, necessitating careful selection of tooling materials.
Formability
1074 steel can be cold and hot formed, although the medium carbon content may limit its formability compared to lower carbon steels. The material can be bent and shaped, but care must be taken to avoid cracking, particularly during cold forming processes.
Heat Treatment
| Treatment Process | Temperature Range (°C/°F) | Typical Soaking Time | Cooling Method | Primary Purpose / Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 600 - 700 / 1112 - 1292 | 1 - 2 hours | Air | Softening, improving ductility |
| Quenching | 800 - 900 / 1472 - 1652 | 30 minutes | Oil or Water | Hardening |
| Tempering | 400 - 600 / 752 - 1112 | 1 hour | Air | Reducing brittleness, improving toughness |
Heat treatment processes significantly affect the microstructure and properties of 1074 steel. Quenching increases hardness, while tempering reduces brittleness, allowing for a balance between strength and ductility.
Typical Applications and End Uses
| Industry/Sector | Specific Application Example | Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Leaf Springs | High tensile strength, fatigue resistance | Durability under load |
| Manufacturing | Cutting Tools | Hardness, wear resistance | Performance longevity |
| Aerospace | Engine Components | Strength-to-weight ratio | Critical performance |
Other applications include:
* - Fasteners
* - Gears
* - Shafts
1074 steel is chosen for applications requiring high strength and wear resistance, particularly where components are subjected to cyclic loading or harsh operating conditions.
Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights
| Feature/Property | 1074 Steel | AISI 4140 | AISI 5160 | Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Mechanical Property | High Strength | Moderate Strength | High Strength | 1074 offers good hardness; 4140 has better toughness |
| Key Corrosion Aspect | Fair | Poor | Fair | 1074 is better than 4140 but less than stainless steels |
| Weldability | Moderate | Good | Poor | 1074 requires careful welding practices |
| Machinability | Moderate | Good | Poor | 1074 is less machinable than 4140 |
| Formability | Moderate | Poor | Fair | 1074 can be formed but with limitations |
| Approx. Relative Cost | Moderate | Moderate | High | Cost-effective for high-performance applications |
| Typical Availability | Common | Common | Less Common | 1074 is widely available in various forms |
When selecting 1074 steel, considerations include its mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and availability. While it offers a good balance of strength and ductility, its limitations in corrosion resistance and weldability must be addressed in design and application planning. This steel grade is particularly suitable for applications where high performance is required, but exposure to corrosive environments is limited.