SAE/AISI 5160 Alloy Steel (UNS G51600)
SAE/AISI 5160 is a high-carbon chromium spring steel prized for its outstanding toughness, fatigue resistance, and durability. Frequently used in automotive and industrial applications, it excels in demanding conditions that require strength, ductility, and resilience.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 97.08% | 97.84% |
| Carbon | 0.56% | 0.64% |
| Chromium | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Manganese | 0.75% | 1.10% |
| Phosphorous | —— | 0.035% |
| Silicon | 0.15% | 0.35% |
| Sulfur | —— | 0.04% |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 5160 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) | 724 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 275 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 190 - 210 GPa |
| Bulk Modulus (K) | 140 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 17% |
| 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 5160 Alloy Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength and toughness | Relatively low corrosion resistance |
| Excellent resilience and durability | Requires careful heat treatment for optimal properties |
| Good wear resistance | Higher cost compared to lower-grade steels |
| High impact resistance | Limited availability in certain regions |
| Good fatigue strength |
Applications of 5160 Alloy Steel
SAE/AISI 5160 is well-suited for demanding uses requiring strength, impact resistance, and fatigue durability, including:
- Springs: Commonly used for manufacturing different types of springs, including leaf springs, coil springs, and flat springs.
- Blades and Knives: Often employed in the production of blades and knives due to its combination of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
- Automotive and Truck Components: The high strength and impact resistance make it suitable for manufacturing various automotive and truck components.
- Hand Tools: Finds application in the production of hand tools such as hammers, chisels, punches, and pry bars.
- Agricultural Equipment: Utilized in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment components due to its strength and resilience.
- Industrial Springs: Employed in various industrial spring applications beyond automotive and agricultural uses.
- Railroad Components: Used in the production of railroad components, such as leaf springs for freight car suspensions and heavy-duty buffers.