What Is Hardened Steel?

Full hardened steel refers to an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content of less than 2%. This steel has both strength and high formability. The strength of the final part is obtained through work hardening during the process and aging in the paint process.

It is generally quenched and then tempered before use to make the strength and

In order to ensure its toughness and plasticity, the carbon content of fully hardened steel does not exceed 1.7%. In addition to iron and carbon, the main elements of steel are silicon, manganese, sulfur, and phosphorus. The other ingredients are intended to differentiate the properties of the steel.

As the strength increases, the notch sensitivity increases, and hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion, and

According to the composition, it can be divided into carbon steel and alloy steel. According to different properties and uses, it can be divided into structural steel, tool steel and special performance steel.

Carbon-is present in all steels and is the most important hardening element. It helps to increase the strength of steel. It is usually expected that tool-grade steel has more than 0.5% carbon and also becomes high carbon steel.

Chromium-Increases abrasion resistance, hardness, and most importantly, corrosion resistance, with more than 13% considered stainless steel. Despite that, all steel will rust if not properly maintained.

Manganese-an important element that helps to create a textured structure, adding strength, strength, and abrasion resistance. Deoxidation of the interior of the steel during heat treatment and coiling occurs in most steels for knife and scissors, except A-2, L-6 and CPM420V.

Molybdenum-Carbonization agent, prevents steel from becoming brittle, maintains the strength of steel at high temperatures, appears in many steels, and air hardened steels (such as A-2, ATS-34) always contain 1% or more Molybdenum so they can harden in the air.

Nickel-Maintains strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Appears in L-6AUS-6 and AUS-8.

Silicon-Helps increase strength. Like manganese, silicon is used to maintain the strength of steel during its production.

Tungsten-Enhanced abrasion resistance. Tungsten is mixed with the appropriate proportion of chromium or manganese to make high-speed steel. High-speed steel M-2 contains a large amount of tungsten.

Vanadium-Enhances wear resistance and ductility. A carbide of vanadium is used to make strip steel. Vanadium is contained in many types of steel, of which M-2, Vascowear, CPMT440V and 420VA contain a large amount of vanadium. The biggest difference between BG-42 and ATS-34 is that the former contains vanadium. ^[2]