1090 Steel: Properties and Key Applications
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Table Of Content
Table Of Content
1090 steel is classified as a medium-carbon steel, primarily composed of iron with a carbon content of approximately 0.90%. This steel grade falls under the AISI/SAE classification system and is known for its high strength and hardness, making it suitable for various engineering applications. The primary alloying element in 1090 steel is carbon, which significantly influences its mechanical properties, particularly its tensile strength and hardness.
Comprehensive Overview
1090 steel is characterized by its excellent wear resistance and ability to be hardened through heat treatment processes. The carbon content allows for a fine balance between strength and ductility, making it a versatile material for applications requiring high strength and toughness.
Advantages:
- High Strength and Hardness: The elevated carbon content provides superior tensile strength and hardness compared to lower carbon steels.
- Good Wear Resistance: Ideal for applications where abrasion resistance is critical.
- Heat Treatable: Can be hardened through quenching and tempering processes, enhancing its mechanical properties.
Limitations:
- Reduced Ductility: The high carbon content can lead to brittleness, especially in the hardened state.
- Weldability Issues: 1090 steel can be challenging to weld due to its carbon content, which may lead to cracking.
- Corrosion Susceptibility: It is more prone to corrosion than lower carbon steels, necessitating protective coatings in certain environments.
Historically, 1090 steel has been used in various applications, including automotive components, tools, and machinery parts, due to its favorable mechanical properties. Its market position is notable in industries requiring high-performance materials, although it is less common than other grades like 1045 or 1080 steel.
Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents
| Standard Organization | Designation/Grade | Country/Region of Origin | Notes/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS | G10900 | USA | Closest equivalent to AISI 1090 |
| AISI/SAE | 1090 | USA | Medium-carbon steel with high carbon content |
| ASTM | A108 | USA | Standard specification for cold-finished carbon steel bars |
| EN | C90E | Europe | Minor compositional differences to be aware of |
| JIS | S45C | Japan | Similar properties but with different alloying elements |
The table above highlights various standards and equivalents for 1090 steel. Notably, while S45C is similar, it may contain different alloying elements that could affect performance in specific applications.
Key Properties
Chemical Composition
| Element (Symbol and Name) | Percentage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | 0.85 - 0.95 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 0.60 - 0.90 |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.15 - 0.40 |
| P (Phosphorus) | ≤ 0.04 |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.05 |
The primary alloying element in 1090 steel is carbon, which enhances hardness and strength. Manganese contributes to hardenability and improves toughness, while silicon aids in deoxidation during steelmaking. Phosphorus and sulfur are kept to low levels to maintain ductility and prevent brittleness.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temper | Test Temperature | Typical Value/Range (Metric) | Typical Value/Range (Imperial) | Reference Standard for Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Annealed | Room Temp | 620 - 850 MPa | 90 - 123 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | Annealed | Room Temp | 350 - 600 MPa | 51 - 87 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Elongation | Annealed | Room Temp | 15 - 20% | 15 - 20% | ASTM E8 |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | Quenched & Tempered | Room Temp | 50 - 60 HRC | 50 - 60 HRC | ASTM E18 |
| Impact Strength | Quenched & Tempered | -20 °C | 30 - 50 J | 22 - 37 ft-lbf | ASTM E23 |
The mechanical properties of 1090 steel make it suitable for applications requiring high strength and toughness. The combination of tensile and yield strength indicates its ability to withstand significant loads, while the hardness values suggest excellent wear resistance.
Physical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temperature | Value (Metric) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | Room Temp | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.284 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | - | 1425 - 1540 °C | 2600 - 2800 °F |
| Thermal Conductivity | Room Temp | 45 W/m·K | 31 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | Room Temp | 0.46 kJ/kg·K | 0.11 BTU/lb·°F |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | Room Temp | 11.5 x 10⁻⁶/K | 6.4 x 10⁻⁶/°F |
The density of 1090 steel indicates its substantial mass, which contributes to its strength. The melting point is relatively high, allowing it to maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures. The thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity are important for applications involving heat transfer.
Corrosion Resistance
| Corrosive Agent | Concentration (%) | Temperature (°C/°F) | Resistance Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric | - | - | Fair | Risk of rusting without protection |
| Chlorides | 3-5 | 20-60 °C (68-140 °F) | Poor | Susceptible to pitting corrosion |
| Acids | 10-20 | Room Temp | Poor | Not recommended for acidic environments |
| Alkaline | 5-10 | Room Temp | Fair | Moderate resistance, but protective measures needed |
1090 steel exhibits moderate corrosion resistance, particularly in atmospheric conditions. However, it is susceptible to pitting in chloride environments and should not be used in acidic applications. Compared to stainless steels, such as 304 or 316, 1090 steel's corrosion resistance is significantly lower, necessitating protective coatings or finishes in corrosive environments.
Heat Resistance
| Property/Limit | Temperature (°C) | Temperature (°F) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Service Temp | 300 °C | 572 °F | Beyond this, properties degrade |
| Max Intermittent Service Temp | 400 °C | 752 °F | Short-term exposure only |
| Scaling Temperature | 600 °C | 1112 °F | Risk of oxidation at this temp |
At elevated temperatures, 1090 steel maintains its strength but may begin to lose hardness and toughness. Oxidation can occur at high temperatures, leading to scaling, which can affect surface integrity.
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 | Requires post-weld heat treatment |
Welding 1090 steel can be challenging due to its high carbon content, which may lead to cracking. Preheating before welding and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to mitigate these issues.
Machinability
| Machining Parameter | 1090 Steel | AISI 1212 | Notes/Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Machinability Index | 60 | 100 | 1212 is easier to machine |
| Typical Cutting Speed (Turning) | 30-50 m/min | 60-80 m/min | Adjust based on tooling |
1090 steel has moderate machinability. Optimal cutting speeds and tooling should be used to achieve the best results, as it can work-harden quickly.
Formability
1090 steel is less formable than lower carbon steels due to its higher carbon content. Cold forming is possible but may require more force and can lead to work hardening. Hot forming is more feasible, allowing for better shaping without compromising material integrity.
Heat Treatment
| Treatment Process | Temperature Range (°C/°F) | Typical Soaking Time | Cooling Method | Primary Purpose / Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 600 - 700 °C / 1112 - 1292 °F | 1 - 2 hours | Air | Softening, improving ductility |
| Quenching | 800 - 900 °C / 1472 - 1652 °F | 30 minutes | Oil or Water | Hardening |
| Tempering | 200 - 600 °C / 392 - 1112 °F | 1 hour | Air | Reducing brittleness, improving toughness |
Heat treatment processes significantly affect the microstructure of 1090 steel. Quenching increases hardness, while tempering is essential to reduce brittleness and enhance toughness.
Typical Applications and End Uses
| Industry/Sector | Specific Application Example | Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Drive shafts | High strength, wear resistance | Durability under load |
| Tooling | Cutting tools | Hardness, edge retention | Performance longevity |
| Machinery | Gears | Toughness, fatigue resistance | Reliability in operation |
Other applications include:
- Shafts and axles in machinery
- Spring components
- High-strength fasteners
1090 steel is chosen for these applications due to its ability to withstand high stress and wear, making it ideal for components that require durability and performance.
Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights
| Feature/Property | 1090 Steel | AISI 1045 | AISI 1080 | Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Mechanical Property | High Strength | Moderate Strength | High Strength | 1090 offers better hardness than 1045 |
| Key Corrosion Aspect | Fair | Fair | Poor | 1090 is less corrosion-resistant than 1080 |
| Weldability | Challenging | Moderate | Poor | 1045 is easier to weld than 1090 |
| Machinability | Moderate | Good | Poor | 1045 is easier to machine than 1090 |
| Approx. Relative Cost | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Cost varies with market demand |
| Typical Availability | Moderate | High | Moderate | 1045 is more commonly available |
When selecting 1090 steel, considerations include its mechanical properties, potential for corrosion, and challenges in fabrication. While it offers high strength and wear resistance, its weldability and machinability may limit its use in certain applications. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for engineers and designers when specifying materials for projects.
In summary, 1090 steel is a robust medium-carbon steel with distinct advantages and limitations. Its applications span various industries, making it a valuable material for high-performance components.