CrV steels in Chinese products
CrV steels in Chinese products
(OP)
Can anyone explain why so many Chinese products such as hand tools use CrV steels (variations of 6150)? There are less expensive alloys that are far superior when heat treated in the range of 45 HRC to 55 HRC. Is chromium less expensive in China?
Really, why does anyone use 6150 for anything?
Really, why does anyone use 6150 for anything?





RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
95% of the world's chromium currently comes from Africa and Kazakhstan.
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
If I recall correctly, 6150 is used extensively for vehicle leaf springs and therefore I will guess that it provides good fatigue properties. In other words, maybe a high (endurance limit)/$ ratio?
As for using for hand tools, I have no clue - as you suggest, maybe availability of materials.
Design for RELIABILITY, manufacturability, and maintainability
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
Maybe I should say, "...high[(endurance limit)*LBS]/$ ratio?"
Design for RELIABILITY, manufacturability, and maintainability
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
No problem, I took no personal offense from your post. It was just your use of "less expensive alloys", "far superior", and "Really, why does anyone use 6150 for anything?" that caused me to assume you had an issue with Chinese tools made from 6150.
Spend the extra money and buy hand tools from Snap-On or Matco. You'll be glad you did.
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
Because stamping "Chrome-Vanadium" on a crap tool gives it an appearance of a quality tool to the uninformed target market.
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
tbuelna...Buying from Snap-on is excellent advice.
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
Maui
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
People work within their local constraints, and come up with different solutions.
If it works then it is fine.
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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
RE: CrV steels in Chinese products
And don't forget - lighter weight.