Heat Treatment8–10 min read
Heat Treatment Basics: Annealing, Normalizing, Quenching and Tempering
Understand the purpose of each operation before specifying a steel heat-treatment route.
Author: Mat Grades Editorial DeskRead Guide →
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel
Primary Designation:SAE 52100
Mat Grades internal verification confirms source-backed fidelity and data integrity. It does not constitute external certification or guaranteed lot conformity. Read engineering disclaimer →
Data Completeness:8 composition elements and 10 condition-specific property values cataloged.
Omitted fields represent unverified properties. "Missing is better than invented."
Key Engineering Properties
Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.
Density
7.81 g/cm³TYPICAL · temperature not stated
Thermal Conductivity
46.6 W/(m·K)TYPICAL · at 100 °C
Composition Excerpt
C 0.93–1.05 wt%Carbon (range)
Standard Elemental Basis: RANGETensile Strength
≥ 620 MPaMINIMUM · Spheroidize Annealed Bar · temperature not stated
Engineering Summary
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel. Source-scoped engineering data is shown with its reported limits and conditions. Unreported properties are not inferred.
Recognized Aliases
Source-backed commercial trade name and short designations cataloged in canonical data.
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Specifications & Designations
Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications — Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.
Direct Standard DesignationsDIRECT DESIGNATION
1 Primary IdentifierScroll horizontally for full designation data
| System | Identifier | Standard System Name | Classification Notes & Provenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAEPRIMARY | 52100 | SAE | —Ref: Practical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition |
Applicable Specifications & Product Form ReferencesSPECIFICATION REFERENCE
1 Applicable StandardsScroll horizontally for full standard specifications
| Standards Body | Specification Code | Specification Title / Scope | Relationship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE | SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Engineering Datasheet | Applicable specification reference. | Specification Reference |
Engineering Notice: Applicable specifications establish manufacturing requirements, dimensional tolerances, and test criteria for specific product forms (e.g. bus bar, wire, plate, pipe). They represent applicable technical standards, not alternative or equivalent alloy grades.
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Chemical Composition
Chemical Composition (Weight %) — Elemental limits and values from the cited source. Preserves exact semantic limits (minimums, maximums, and ranges).
Scroll horizontally for full elemental limits
| Element | Symbol | Atomic No. | Semantic Basis | Specified Value | Unit | Metallurgical Notes & Qualification | Data Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 6 | RANGE | 0.93 – 1.05 | wt% | Source cell: .93/1.05. Scope: p6, SAE 52100.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Manganese | Mn | 25 | RANGE | 0.25 – 0.45 | wt% | Source cell: .25/.45. Scope: p6, SAE 52100.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Chromium | Cr | 24 | RANGE | 1.35 – 1.60 | wt% | Source cell: 1.35/1.60. Scope: p6, SAE 52100.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Silicon | Si | 14 | RANGE | 0.15 – 0.35 | wt% | Source cell: .15/.35. Scope: p6, SAE 52100; p7 default footnote / row override.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Phosphorus | P | 15 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.03 | wt% | Source cell: .025max. Scope: p6, SAE 52100; p7 default footnote / row override.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Sulfur | S | 16 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.01 | wt% | Source cell: .015max. Scope: p6, SAE 52100; p7 default footnote / row override.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Nickel | Ni | 28 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.25 | wt% | Source cell: .25max. Scope: p6, SAE 52100; p7 default footnote.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 42 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.06 | wt% | Source cell: .06max. Scope: p6, SAE 52100; p7 default footnote.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
* Elemental percentages are expressed in weight percent (wt%). Values represent applicable specification limits. Unspecified trace elements are not fabricated or assumed.Preserves exact semantic basis
Property Display UnitsSwitch between Canonical SI and Source / US Customary units:
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Physical Properties
Source-specific physical properties. Test temperatures are shown only where reported.
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.81 g/cm³ | TYPICAL | 7.81 g/cm3 | Carpenter Technology Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Elastic Modulus | 210 GPa | TYPICAL | 210 GPa | Carpenter Technology Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.3 dimensionless | TYPICAL | 0.30 dimensionless | Carpenter Technology Corporation | VERIFIED |
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Thermal & Thermodynamic Properties
Phase change temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, mean coefficients of thermal expansion across standardized temperature ranges, and recommended thermal processing windows.
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 11.9 µm/(m·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 100 °C | 11.9 10^-6/K | Carpenter Technology Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Thermal Conductivity | 46.6 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 100 °C | 46.6 W/(m·K) | Carpenter Technology Corporation | VERIFIED |
SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Mechanical Properties
Contextual Mechanical Properties & Tempers: Engineering strength, ductility, and hardness values grouped by product form, temper, and section thickness. Mechanical properties are contextual and not isotropic averages.
Showing 5 of 5 conditions
Scroll horizontally for all conditions & tempers
| Product Form | Temper / Condition | Section Size | Tensile (UTS) | Yield Strength | Elongation | Shear Strength | Fatigue Strength | Hardness (Scales Preserved) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar | Spheroidize Annealed Bar · Spheroidize AnnealedSource values and qualifiersUltimate Tensile Strength: ≥ 620 MPa (MINIMUM)Carpenter Technology Corporation — CarTech 52100 Alloy Datasheet, Annealed Mechanical Table | — | ≥ 620 MPa | — | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Spheroidize Annealed Bar · Spheroidize AnnealedSource values and qualifiersYield Strength: ≥ 380 MPa (MINIMUM)0.2% offsetCarpenter Technology Corporation — CarTech 52100 Alloy Datasheet, Annealed Mechanical Table | — | — | ≥ 380 MPa | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Spheroidize Annealed Bar · Spheroidize AnnealedSource values and qualifiersElongation at Break: ≥ 15 % (MINIMUM)Carpenter Technology Corporation — CarTech 52100 Alloy Datasheet, Annealed Mechanical Table | — · in 50 mm (2 in) | — | — | ≥ 15 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Spheroidize Annealed BarSource values and qualifiersHB Hardness: ≤ 207 HB (MAXIMUM)Carpenter Technology Corporation — CarTech 52100 Alloy Datasheet, Annealed Hardness Table | — | — | — | — | — | — | ≤ 207 HB | VERIFIED |
| Bar and Rings | Hardened and Tempered (Oil quenched 845°C, tempered 180°C 1h) · Oil quenched 845°C, tempered 180°C 1hSource values and qualifiersHRC Hardness: 62–64 HRC (RANGE)Carpenter Technology Corporation — CarTech 52100 Alloy Datasheet, Heat Treated Hardness Table | — | — | — | — | — | — | 62–64 HRC | VERIFIED |
Hardness Integrity Notice: Rockwell B (HRB), Rockwell F (HRF), and Superficial 30T (HR30T) scales are reported on their measured scales without cross-scale mathematical conversion.
Source: See fact-level citations
Practical Engineering & Fabrication Notes
By Mat Grades Editorial Desk · Updated 2026-11-14. Use alongside the specified product standard and supplier certificate.
Machining & shop-floor behavior
For SAE 52100 Alloy Steel, a qualified cutting-speed or tool-life recommendation is not supplied in the available record. A relevant hardness example is HB Hardness: maximum 207 HB (maximum; Spheroidize Annealed Bar, Bar). Use that supplied condition for a trial of the difficult feature. Record tool changes, burr removal, unclamped dimensions and accepted parts per hour. Relative machinability ratings from different reference scales should not be compared as if they were one common test.
Weldability, brazing & joining
No qualified weld procedure, filler selection or preheat/interpass schedule is established by this material record. Obtain a procedure for the actual joint, supplied condition and section rather than copying one from a nearby grade. The first cataloged strength example is Ultimate Tensile Strength: minimum 620 MPa (minimum; Spheroidize Annealed Bar, Bar). Assess the final part after joining or thermal processing. Include distortion, cleanup and inspection in the quotation. A material designation or favorable process rating is a starting point for qualification, not evidence that an untested joint meets the drawing.
Corrosion & service environment
Plan corrosion protection and inspect how the finish affects threads, bearing fits and repaired surfaces. A steel strength value does not establish corrosion life. Where cyclic load or impact matters, retain the surface condition and the required toughness evidence with the material decision. The recorded thermal example is Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 11.9 µm/(m·K) (typical; ; test temperature 100 °C). State the exposure and inspection access in the design record so that a change of installation or cleaning method triggers a review. The selected composition entries are C 0.93–1.05 wt%, Mn 0.25–0.45 wt%, Cr 1.35–1.6 wt%. Chemistry documents identity; it does not establish fluid compatibility.
Selection trade-offs & applications
Use SAE 52100, SPECIFICATION SAE 52100 Alloy Steel Engineering Datasheet to identify the candidate, then specify the product form and delivered condition separately. A specific component application is not asserted where the source record does not provide one. The listed forms include Bar, Bar and Rings; confirm the actual stock offered by the supplier. Compare the complete route through machining, joining, finish and inspection. Keep the certificate, required test location and acceptance criteria with the first-article record. A later change of grade, condition or source should be assessed against that same requirement.
Technical references: Carpenter Technology Corporation; Metallus
Related Engineering & Metallurgy Guides
Contextual technical guides explaining degradation mechanisms, testing methodologies, and selection criteria relevant to SAE 52100 Alloy Steel.
Corrosion & Surface Engineering15 min read
How to Remove Rust From Cast Iron: Methods, Science & Prevention
Cast iron is an indispensable alloy family renowned for superior vibration damping and castability, but its iron matrix and carbon microstructure make it susceptible to atmospheric rust. Restoring rusted cast iron requires understanding how mechanical and chemical methods interact with the underlying metal.
Author: Mat Grades Editorial DeskRead Guide →
Sources
Sources & Provenance Trail: Authoritative reference publications, standards specifications, and data registers cited across this material record.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription; source document SHA-256 is recorded in the capture metadata. No cross-standard equivalence is asserted.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription; source document SHA-256 is recorded in the capture metadata. No cross-standard equivalence is asserted.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription; source document SHA-256 is recorded in the capture metadata. No cross-standard equivalence is asserted.
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Carpenter Technology CorporationCarpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Datasheets (Project 70+ 303, CarTech 52100, Custom 630 / 17-4 PH)
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Issuing Body: Carpenter Technology CorporationRevision: Carpenter Specialty Alloys Technical Bulletin 2024View Source Record ↗
Intellectual Property & Provenance Notice: Mat Grades cites technical literature from recognized industry associations and standards organizations. Underlying technical standards and publication data remain the intellectual property of their respective issuing organizations.