SAE/AISI 5117 Alloy Steel (UNS G51170)

Image of SAE/AISI 5117 bars

SAE/AISI 5117 steel is often used in applications where a combination of toughness, wear resistance, and moderate strength is required. It is commonly employed in the manufacturing of gears, shafts, axles, and other components for machinery and automotive applications.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron97.575%98.3%
Carbon0.15%0.20%
Chromium0.70%0.90%
Manganese0.70%0.90%
Phosphorous0.035%
Silicon0.15%0.35%
Sulfur0.04%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 5117 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of SAE/AISI 5117 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7850 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity42.7 W/m·K

The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of 5117 Alloy Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good toughness and impact resistanceRelatively low strength compared to some other steels
Excellent wear resistanceLimited hardenability, may not achieve high hardness levels
Moderate machinabilitySusceptible to temper brittleness during heat treatment
Good dimensional stability during heat treatmentLimited corrosion resistance, may require protective coatings or treatments
Cost-effective compared to high-end steelsLower fatigue strength compared to some other alloys

Applications of 5117 Alloy Steel

AISI 5117 steel, also known as SAE 5117 or 17Cr3 steel, finds applications in various industries where a combination of toughness, wear resistance, and moderate strength is required. Here are some common applications of AISI 5117 steel:

  • Gears and Gear Shafts: AISI 5117 steel is frequently used in the manufacturing of gears and gear shafts due to its good wear resistance and toughness.
  • Axles and Shafts: This steel grade is suitable for axles and shafts in automotive and machinery applications. It offers sufficient strength and toughness to withstand the loads and torsional forces encountered in these components.
  • Fasteners: AISI 5117 steel is used in the production of fasteners such as bolts, studs, and screws. Its moderate strength and machinability make it suitable for applications where fasteners need to withstand mechanical loads.
  • Machine Components: Various machine components, such as crankshafts, connecting rods, and camshafts, can be made from AISI 5117 steel. Its combination of toughness, wear resistance, and machinability makes it suitable for these applications.
  • Springs: Due to its good toughness and dimensional stability during heat treatment, AISI 5117 steel is used in the production of various types of springs, including flat springs, coil springs, and leaf springs.
  • Automotive Components: AISI 5117 steel can be found in automotive components such as transmission parts, clutch components, and differential parts. Its properties make it suitable for applications where strength, wear resistance, and impact resistance are required.
  • Tools and Dies: While AISI 5117 steel is not typically used for high-end tooling applications, it can find use in certain lower-demand tool and die applications where its toughness and machinability are valued.
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