SAE/AISI 5160 Alloy Steel (UNS G51600)
SAE/AISI 5160 is a high-carbon chromium alloy steel with excellent toughness, ductility, and fatigue resistance. It is commonly used in industrial applications as well as in the automotive sector for many different heavy-duty spring applications.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 97.085% | 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 icon 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
AISI 5160 steel is widely used in various applications that require high strength, toughness, and durability. Here are some common applications of 5160 steel:
- Springs: AISI 5160 steel is commonly used for manufacturing different types of springs, including leaf springs, coil springs, and flat springs.
- Blades and Knives: 5160 steel is 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 of 5160 steel make it suitable for manufacturing various automotive and truck components.
- Hand Tools: 5160 steel finds application in the production of hand tools such as hammers, chisels, punches, and pry bars.
- Agricultural Equipment: Due to its strength and resilience, AISI 5160 steel is utilized in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment components.
- Industrial Springs: Apart from automotive and agricultural springs, 5160 steel is employed in various industrial spring applications.
- Railroad Components: 5160 steel is used in the production of railroad components, such as leaf springs for freight car suspensions and heavy-duty buffers.