1117 Steel: Properties and Key Applications Overview

Table Of Content

Table Of Content

1117 steel is classified as a medium-carbon alloy steel, primarily known for its excellent machinability and good mechanical properties. It contains a balanced composition of carbon, manganese, and other alloying elements that enhance its performance in various applications. The primary alloying elements in 1117 steel include:

  • Carbon (C): Typically around 0.13% to 0.20%, which contributes to hardness and strength.
  • Manganese (Mn): Approximately 0.60% to 0.90%, which improves hardenability and tensile strength.
  • Iron (Fe): The balance of the composition, providing the fundamental structure of the steel.

Characteristics and Properties

1117 steel is characterized by its good ductility, strength, and toughness, making it suitable for a wide range of engineering applications. Its inherent properties include:

  • High machinability: This steel grade is often used in precision machining applications due to its favorable cutting characteristics.
  • Good weldability: While it can be welded, preheating and post-weld heat treatment are often recommended to avoid cracking.
  • Moderate hardenability: It can be heat-treated to achieve higher hardness levels, making it versatile for various applications.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages (Pros) Limitations (Cons)
Excellent machinability Limited corrosion resistance
Good weldability Moderate hardenability compared to higher alloy steels
Suitable for heat treatment Not ideal for high-temperature applications

1117 steel holds a significant position in the market due to its balance of properties and cost-effectiveness. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive components, machinery parts, and various structural applications.

Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents

Standard Organization Designation/Grade Country/Region of Origin Notes/Remarks
UNS G11170 USA Closest equivalent to AISI 1018
AISI/SAE 1117 USA Minor compositional differences to AISI 1015
ASTM A108 USA Standard specification for cold-finished carbon steel bars
EN 1.0718 Europe Equivalent to C45E
JIS S45C Japan Similar properties but with different carbon content

The table above highlights the various designations and standards associated with 1117 steel. Notably, while grades like AISI 1018 and 1117 are often considered equivalent, 1117 typically has a slightly higher manganese content, which can enhance its hardenability and strength.

Key Properties

Chemical Composition

Element (Symbol and Name) Percentage Range (%)
C (Carbon) 0.13 - 0.20
Mn (Manganese) 0.60 - 0.90
Fe (Iron) Balance

The primary alloying elements in 1117 steel play crucial roles in defining its properties. Carbon increases hardness and strength, while manganese enhances hardenability and tensile strength, making it suitable for applications requiring good wear resistance.

Mechanical Properties

Property Condition/Temper Typical Value/Range (Metric) Typical Value/Range (Imperial) Reference Standard for Test Method
Tensile Strength Annealed 450 - 650 MPa 65 - 95 ksi ASTM E8
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) Annealed 250 - 400 MPa 36 - 58 ksi ASTM E8
Elongation Annealed 20 - 30% 20 - 30% ASTM E8
Hardness (Rockwell B) Annealed 80 - 90 HRB 80 - 90 HRB ASTM E18
Impact Strength (Charpy) -40°C 30 - 50 J 22 - 37 ft-lbf ASTM E23

The combination of these mechanical properties makes 1117 steel particularly suitable for applications that require good strength and ductility, such as in the automotive and machinery sectors. Its moderate yield and tensile strength allow it to withstand significant mechanical loads while maintaining structural integrity.

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

The density and melting point of 1117 steel indicate its suitability for high-temperature applications, while its thermal conductivity suggests effective heat dissipation, which is beneficial in machining processes.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosive Agent Concentration (%) Temperature (°C) Resistance Rating Notes
Chlorides 3-5 25 Fair Risk of pitting corrosion
Sulfuric Acid 10-20 20 Poor Not recommended
Sodium Hydroxide 5-10 25 Fair Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking

1117 steel exhibits moderate corrosion resistance, particularly in environments with chlorides and alkaline substances. However, it is not recommended for use in highly corrosive environments, such as those involving strong acids. Compared to stainless steels like 304 or 316, 1117 steel is significantly less resistant to corrosion, making it less suitable for applications exposed to harsh environments.

Heat Resistance

Property/Limit Temperature (°C) Temperature (°F) Remarks
Max Continuous Service Temp 400 752 Suitable for moderate temperatures
Max Intermittent Service Temp 500 932 Can withstand short-term exposure
Scaling Temperature 600 1112 Risk of oxidation beyond this temp

At elevated temperatures, 1117 steel maintains its strength but may experience oxidation if exposed for prolonged periods. Its performance in high-temperature applications is limited compared to higher alloy steels.

Fabrication Properties

Weldability

Welding Process Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification) Typical Shielding Gas/Flux Notes
MIG ER70S-6 Argon + CO2 Preheating recommended
TIG ER70S-2 Argon Post-weld heat treatment may be required

1117 steel is generally weldable, but care must be taken to avoid cracking. Preheating before welding and post-weld heat treatment can help mitigate these risks, ensuring a strong weld joint.

Machinability

Machining Parameter 1117 Steel AISI 1212 Notes/Tips
Relative Machinability Index 100 130 1117 is less machinable than 1212
Typical Cutting Speed (Turning) 50 m/min 60 m/min Adjust speeds based on tooling

1117 steel offers good machinability, though it is slightly less machinable than AISI 1212. Optimal cutting speeds and tooling should be employed to achieve the best results.

Formability

1117 steel exhibits good formability, making it suitable for cold and hot forming processes. It can be bent and shaped without significant risk of cracking, although care should be taken to avoid excessive work hardening.

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 Improve ductility and reduce hardness
Quenching 800 - 900 / 1472 - 1652 30 minutes Oil or Water Increase hardness and strength
Tempering 400 - 600 / 752 - 1112 1 hour Air Reduce brittleness and improve toughness

Heat treatment processes significantly affect the microstructure and properties of 1117 steel. Annealing enhances ductility, while quenching increases hardness. Tempering is crucial for balancing hardness and toughness.

Typical Applications and End Uses

Industry/Sector Specific Application Example Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application Reason for Selection (Brief)
Automotive Gear shafts High strength, good machinability Essential for durability
Machinery Crankshafts Toughness, ductility Required for impact resistance
Construction Structural components Strength, weldability Critical for structural integrity

Other applications of 1117 steel include:

  • Manufacturing of fasteners and bolts
  • Production of precision machined parts
  • Use in automotive suspension components

The selection of 1117 steel in these applications is primarily due to its balance of strength, machinability, and weldability, making it a versatile choice for various engineering needs.

Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights

Feature/Property 1117 Steel AISI 1018 AISI 4140 Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note
Key Mechanical Property Moderate strength Lower strength Higher strength 1117 offers a balance of properties
Key Corrosion Aspect Fair Fair Good 4140 has better corrosion resistance
Weldability Good Good Fair 4140 may require preheat
Machinability Good Excellent Fair 1117 is easier to machine than 4140
Formability Good Good Fair 4140 is less formable due to higher alloy content
Approx. Relative Cost Moderate Low High 1117 is cost-effective for many applications
Typical Availability Common Very Common Common 1117 is widely available in various forms

When selecting 1117 steel, considerations include its cost-effectiveness, availability, and suitability for specific applications. While it offers good mechanical properties, it may not be the best choice for environments requiring high corrosion resistance or extreme temperatures. Its machinability and weldability make it a preferred option for precision components in various industries.

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