Carburizing grades
Carburizing grades
(OP)
A customer of ours is carburizing 5120 (C-0.17-0.23, Mn-0.60-0.90, Cr-0.70-0.90) steel plate 3/8" thickness to a 60-62 Rc. That grade, in the volumes they need, does not exist domestically....they would need to buy a year's worth for one mill run.
I thought of the possibility of subsitituting a A514 Grade B chemistry (very common grade and easy to get...and much cheaper) in the non-heat treated form as a replacement, which they can then case harden after forming and welding:
A514 Grade B
C-0.12-0.21
Mn-0.70-1.00
Cr-0.40-0.65
Mo-0.15-0.25
V-0.03-0.08
Ti-0.01-0.03
B-0.0005-0.005
What problems or pitfalls might be expected? How much of their process will have to change? Is this a good idea? Metallurgically, I dont see much of an issue, however, I am not a heat treater and could be missing something.
Any help is appreciated.
Alex
I thought of the possibility of subsitituting a A514 Grade B chemistry (very common grade and easy to get...and much cheaper) in the non-heat treated form as a replacement, which they can then case harden after forming and welding:
A514 Grade B
C-0.12-0.21
Mn-0.70-1.00
Cr-0.40-0.65
Mo-0.15-0.25
V-0.03-0.08
Ti-0.01-0.03
B-0.0005-0.005
What problems or pitfalls might be expected? How much of their process will have to change? Is this a good idea? Metallurgically, I dont see much of an issue, however, I am not a heat treater and could be missing something.
Any help is appreciated.
Alex





RE: Carburizing grades
RE: Carburizing grades
RE: Carburizing grades
RE: Carburizing grades
We'll see...I am laid off as of next week (the powers that be dont think that ideas like this provide value anymore) so it's going to be out of my hands...for 40% cost savings, you'd think they would want to figure out a way to make it work. If I find out how the trials go, I'll let you know.
Thanks again for the help.
Alex
RE: Carburizing grades
RE: Carburizing grades
Sorry to hear about the layoff.
Been there, done that, several times the past 5 years.
Lots of companies these days are just cutting people to stay afloat and can't support any efforts that can reap major returns - short term is beating out long term everywhere.
Anyway, try the US Government USAJOBS.OPM.GOV - Materials Engineering is Series 0806, but General Engineering 0800 works just as well. Give it a little time.
I really enjoy my new job at Defense Logistics Agency.
Good luck and God bless.
Matt