Introduction
X45SiCr6, also known as Grade 1.7228 steel, is an alloyed tool steel, developed to offer a combination of superior hardness, wear resistance and toughness. This steel type has been mainly used in automotive components such as transmission shafts, camshafts, and gears in the past.
Due to its superior properties, X45SiCr6 has become increasingly popular in recent times and therefore, it has become an important material in the modern manufacturing process. It has been used for applications such as cylinder heads, exhausts, brake discs, gears, pins and similar components in industrial as well as automotive applications.
Characteristics
X45SiCr6 steel is a carbon steel alloy containing 1.45% silicon and 6.0% chrome which provides a unique combination of properties. It has a high degree of hardness and toughness due to the presence of silicon which is at twice the level in common engineering steel grades. The carbon-chromium combination allows it to remain dimensionally stable at elevated temperatures and prevents it from red hardening when subjected to heat treatments.
X45SiCr6 is regarded as a case hardening steel due to its strength and ability to retain its shape and size when exposed to higher temperatures. It also has a higher than normal resistance to deformation and wear under moderate loads which is due to the presence of silicon and chromium combined with a relatively high carbon content.
Applications
As mentioned earlier, X45SiCr6 has a variety of applications ranging from automotive components, to industrial components and tools. It is used in heavily loaded components that require high performance and strength such as gear wheels, pressure plates, transmission shafts and bushings.
X45SiCr6 is also a popular choice for components exposed to high temperatures such as piston heads, exhaust valves, combustion chambers, and cylinder heads as it is able to retain its shape and strength even at these elevated temperatures.
Apart from its use in automotive and industrial components, X45SiCr6 is also used in toolmaking applications. It is well suited for cutting tools such as drills, taps, reamers, and dies due to its superior hardness and strength retention at higher temperatures.
Conclusion
X45SiCr6 steel is an alloyed steel which offers superior strength, hardness and wear resistance, in addition to its excellent thermal properties. It has a wide range of applications, ranging from automotive components and industrial components, to tools and cutting tools. X45SiCr6 has excellent dimensional stability, wear resistance, and the ability to withstand higher temperatures, making it an ideal material for many applications.
