SAE/AISI 5117 Alloy Steel (UNS G51170)
SAE/AISI 5117 steel is a low-alloy chromium steel valued for its combination of toughness, wear resistance, and moderate strength. It is widely used in automotive and industrial machinery applications where these properties are essential, including the production of gears, axles, and shafts that must withstand dynamic loads and surface wear.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 97.57% | 98.30% |
| Carbon | 0.15% | 0.20% |
| Chromium | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Manganese | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Phosphorous | —— | 0.035% |
| Silicon | 0.15% | 0.35% |
| Sulfur | —— | 0.04% |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 5117 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 7850 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| 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 Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 42.7 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
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Good toughness and impact resistance | Relatively low strength compared to some other steels |
| Excellent wear resistance | Limited hardenability, may not achieve high hardness levels |
| Moderate machinability | Susceptible to temper brittleness during heat treatment |
| Good dimensional stability during heat treatment | Limited corrosion resistance, may require protective coatings or treatments |
| Cost-effective compared to high-end steels | Lower fatigue strength compared to some other alloys |
Applications of 5117 Alloy Steel
SAE/AISI 5117 steel is commonly used in applications demanding toughness, wear resistance, and moderate strength, including:
- Gears and Gear Shafts: Frequently used in the manufacturing of gears and gear shafts due to good wear resistance and toughness.
- Axles and Shafts: Suitable for axles and shafts in automotive and machinery applications, offering sufficient strength and toughness for load-bearing and torsional stresses.
- Fasteners: Used in the production of bolts, studs, and screws. Its moderate strength and machinability support mechanical load applications.
- Machine Components: Components such as crankshafts, connecting rods, and camshafts benefit from its toughness, wear resistance, and ease of machining.
- Springs: Employed in manufacturing flat, coil, and leaf springs due to its toughness and dimensional stability during heat treatment.
- Automotive Components: Found in transmission parts, clutch components, and differential parts where strength, wear resistance, and impact durability are required.
- Tools and Dies: Utilized in lower-demand tool and die applications where toughness and machinability are essential, though not typically for high-end tooling.