SAE/AISI 5150 Alloy Steel (UNS G51500)
SAE/AISI 5150 is a low-alloy chromium steel known for its excellent combination of strength, toughness, and hardenability. It is widely used across industrial sectors for its good machinability, cost-effectiveness, and reliable mechanical performance.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 97.29% | 97.97% |
| Carbon | 0.48% | 0.53% |
| Chromium | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Manganese | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Phosphorous | —— | 0.035% |
| Silicon | 0.15% | 0.30% |
| Sulfur | —— | 0.04% |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 5150 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 |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 675 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 360 MPa |
| 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 |
| Brinell Hardness | 197 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 46.6 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 470 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 1.3×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 4.18×106 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 2.4×10-7 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 5150 Alloy Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength and toughness | Limited corrosion resistance |
| Good wear resistance | Relatively low hardenability |
| Suitable for applications with heavy loads or shock | Limited weldability |
| Good machinability | Prone to distortion during heat treatment |
| Cost-effective compared to some high-end alloy steels | Requires proper heat treatment for optimal properties |
| Good impact resistance |
Applications of 5150 Alloy Steel
Thanks to its excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance, SAE/AISI 5150 is used in demanding industrial and structural applications, including:
- Automotive Industry: Used in the manufacturing of various automotive components such as gears, shafts, axles, and crankshafts.
- Machinery and Equipment: Utilized in the production of machinery and equipment parts that require high strength and durability.
- Springs: Often employed in the production of mechanical springs due to its good spring properties and high strength.
- Tools and Tooling Components: Applied in the manufacturing of various tools and tooling components due to good machinability and wear resistance.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Used for heavy-duty components in construction requiring high strength and toughness.
- Agricultural Equipment: Utilized for parts like agricultural machinery components, tillage tools, and harrow discs.