SAE/AISI 5120 Alloy Steel (UNS G51200)

Image of SAE/AISI 5120 bars

SAE/AISI 5120 is a chromium steel known for its good hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance. It is a versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of applications, including gears, shafts, spindles, and other high-stress components.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron97.605%98.28%
Carbon0.17%0.22%
Chromium0.70%0.90%
Manganese0.70%0.90%
Phosphorous0.035%
Silicon0.15%0.30%
Sulfur0.04%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 5120 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of SAE/AISI 5120 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7850 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)500 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)320 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break16%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness150
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity47 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.2×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity4.18×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity2.4×10-7 Ω·m

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 5120 Alloy Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strengthLimited hardenability
Good toughnessModerate corrosion resistance
Wear resistanceLower weldability compared to carbon steels
Good machinabilitySusceptible to temper brittleness
Cost-effectiveLimited availability in some regions

Applications of 5120 Alloy Steel

AISI 5120 steel, with its combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance, finds application in various industries. Here are some common applications of AISI 5120 steel:

  • Gears and Gear Components: AISI 5120 steel's high strength, wear resistance, and good toughness make it suitable for manufacturing gears, gear shafts, and other gear components.
  • Axles and Shafts: Due to its excellent combination of strength and toughness, AISI 5120 steel is used in the production of axles and shafts for automotive, machinery, and equipment applications.
  • Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners: AISI 5120 steel's good machinability and high tensile strength make it suitable for manufacturing various types of bolts, nuts, and fasteners.
  • Springs: AISI 5120 steel's mechanical properties, including its good toughness and moderate corrosion resistance, make it suitable for manufacturing springs.
  • Structural Components: In some cases, AISI 5120 steel is used in the production of structural components that require a combination of strength and toughness.
  • Machining and Tooling: Due to its good machinability, AISI 5120 steel can be used for manufacturing various machining tools.
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