Metallographic diagram of 45 steel (cooling after forging)

The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 4130 Forged Steel

The aim of this study was to investigate the microstructural and mechanical properties of the AISI 4130 forged steel, which is made of selected elements and is then heated, forged, and cooled. The objective was to identify and characterize any potential presence of microstructure, visual features, and mechanical properties within the material.

The first part of the study was to examine the chemical composition of the steel. The table lists the key chemical elements in the AISI 4130 steel and shows that the carbon, manganese, phosphorous, and Silicon (which are used to enhance the forging process) dominate the composition of the steel. The next step was to determine the measurements of the steel in order to have a solid base of factors to test its microstructural and mechanical properties. The results of the hardness tests indicated that the surface hardness of the AISI 4130 forged steel was considerably high. Specifically, the hardness was 65.5 Rockwell scale, (Brinell scale=355 HV) which means that the steel is tolerant to impacts, wear and tear, and normal heating and cooling cycles.

In order to understand the microstructural and mechanical properties of the AISI 4130 forged steel, a metallography test of the material was taken. The preparation technique included grinding, polishing, and etching to expose different features in the microstructure. The results showed that the AISI 4130 forged steel was composed of ferrite areas, pearlite colonies, and free cementite particles. Additionally, tiny Widmansitallen particles were present in the microstructure of the material. These particles are typically associated with high strength materials and give the AISI 4130 steel excellent strength and toughness.

The results of mechanical tests conducted on the AISI 4130 forged steel showed that the material was subject to higher levels of strength and a good amount of ductility which would allow it to deform without any significant damage. The tensile strength in particular released an impressive yield strength of 575 Mpa and an ultimate tensile strength of 775 Mpa. The material also yielded good toughness properties with a 120 MPa in the Charpy Impact test.

In conclusion, the AISI 4130 forged steel is a high-grade steel alloy composed of multiple elements which allow it to have amazing structural and mechanical properties. The steel has an acceptable surface hardness as well as a very strong yield and ultimate tensile strength. The microstructure of the material is dominated with ferrite areas, pearlite colonies and free cementite particles, as well as Widmansitallen particles which improve the strength of the material. The results of the Charpy impact test also indicate good toughness in the AISI 4130 forged steel. Therefore, this steel is an ideal choice for applications that require high-strength and high-toughness materials.

EAF45 steel, also known as electro-alloy forge 45 steel, is a type of steel specifically developed for advanced forging processes. The steel is composed of iron, 0.4 % carbon, 0.5% manganese and 0.5% silicon. It also contains trace amounts of phosphorus and sulfur. The steel is hardened after forging, undergoing a cooling regimen that results in a final hardness of between 2.32 and 2.43 HRA.

EAF45 steel is well suited to applications demanding moderate wear resistance, in which hardness and strength requirements are not needed to be too high. Besides its great ability to be forged, this steel is relatively cost effective when compared to other steels and alloys of the same class.

As its name implies, the structure of EAF45 steel resembles electro-alloy forge 45 steel. After forging, its macrostructure consists of pearlite, ferrite, and martensite, as well as occasional small areas of fine precipitates. Its microstructure consists of small grains of ferrite and pearlite in a matrix of martensite, with some precipitates present at the grain boundaries. This microstructure results in the steel having a hardness of between 2.32 and 2.43 HRA.

EAF45 steel is an ideal material for the production of parts and components which require a high degree of formability and strength. As the steel is composed mainly of iron and other alloy elements, its properties are not as strong as those of other higher strength materials. However, the steel is appropriate in applications requiring low to moderate hardness and impact resistance, such as shafts, spindles, and other automotive parts.

Overall, EAF45 steel is a relatively low cost, versatile steel specifically designed for advanced forging processes. It is well suited to applications demanding moderate wear resistance, making it a popular choice in various industries.