5160 and 52100

mnyshrpknvs

mnyshrpknvs

Joined
Dec 18, 2008
Messages
1,019
I have a couple fixed blades in the 5160 but am not firmiliar with 52100. I am looking at another custom and one of the steels used is 52100. Just wondering if some light can be shed on the differences between them? Many thanks for any help.


mnyshrpknvs
 
apples and oranges, :p no not really i'll give ya some info, but somebody else would be better at defining the details...im just a dummy:D

sorry michael

andrew ;)
 
Last edited:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metal Suppliers Online: Material Property Data
Alloy Steels 52100

Specifications
Related Tradenames and Metal Names
Chemistry Data
Welding, Machining/ General Data
Physical Data
Mechanical Data
Links to Related Data



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
The following specifications cover Alloy Steels 52100







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property Results
No Related Metal names.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemistry Data : [top]


Carbon 0.98 - 1.1
Chromium 1.3 - 1.6
Iron Balance
Manganese 0.25 - 0.45
Phosphorus 0.025 max
Silicon 0.15 - 0.35
Sulphur 0.025 max



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Principal Design Features 52100 is a high carbon, chromium containing low alloy steel that is through hardening and noted in particular for use as bearings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applications Principal applications are those for bearings in rotating machinery.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Machinability Machinability of 52100 alloy is good by conventional methods. A spherodizing anneal at 1200 F before machining will improve the overall machinability of the alloy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forming 52100 may be formed by all conventional methods, including cold forging or stamping and hot or cold upset forming.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welding No data given. This is a high carbon alloy typically used in bearing applications where welding is not applicable or appropriate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Heat Treatment Heat treatment consists of heating to 1500 F followed by an oil quench for through hardening of the alloy. A normalizing heat treatment at 1600 F and slow cooling, to relieve machining stress, may be employed prior to the 1500 F and quench treatment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forging The alloy may be supplied as forgings and also may be subsequently forged at 2200 F down to 1700 F

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hot Working Hot working, such as upsetting, may be done in the range of 400 to 1000 F.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold Working The alloy has good ductility and may be cold worked in the annealed or normalized conditions by conventional methods.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annealing Anneal at 1600 F and slow cool to relieve machining or cold working strains.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aging Not applicable to this alloy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tempering Temper at 400 F.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hardening The alloy hardens from cold working or by heating and quenching - see "Heat Treatment". It also may be carburized at 1675 F and quenched after sufficient time for carburization. A second heating to 1450 F and second quench from that temperature should be used.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Physical Data : [top]


Density (lb / cu. in.) 0.283
Specific Gravity 7.83
Specific Heat (Btu/lb/Deg F - [32-212 Deg F]) 0.114
Melting Point (Deg F) 2595
Thermal Conductivity 240
Mean Coeff Thermal Expansion 6.5
Modulus of Elasticity Tension 29
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metal Suppliers Online: Material Property Data
Alloy Steels 5160

Specifications
Related Tradenames and Metal Names
Chemistry Data
Welding, Machining/ General Data
Physical Data
Mechanical Data
Links to Related Data



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
The following specifications cover Alloy Steels 5160


ASTM A29
ASTM A322
ASTM A331
ASTM A519
ASTM A752
ASTM A829 (Plate)
SAE J1397
SAE J404
SAE J412
UNS G51600





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property Results
No Related Metal names.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemistry Data : [top]


Carbon 0.56 - 0.64
Chromium 0.7 - 0.9
Manganese 0.75 - 1
Phosphorus 0.035 max
Silicon 0.15 - 0.35
Sulphur 0.04 max



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Principal Design Features 5160 is a carbon-chromium spring steel. It exhibits excellent toughness and high ductility, with a high tensile-yield ratio.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applications Commonly employed in heavy spring applications primarily in the automotive field for leaf springs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Machinability Machining this grade can be very difficult in the "as rolled" condition, and the alloy should be annealed prior to machining to obtain maximum speeds and feeds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welding Weldability is poor in this alloy due to its high carbon and chromium content. For best results, preheat the section and stress relieve after welding. Either gas or arc welding methods may be used.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Heat Treatment 5160 is normally hardened in oil. Recommended quenching temperature is 1525 F, with a wide range of mechanical available by tempering between 800 and 1300 F.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forging Forge this grade between 2100 and 2200 F.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annealing Heat to 1450 F and air cool.
 
Just my limited knowledge: Both will rust, but the 5160 as a spring steel is tough bastard, whereas the 52100 as a ball bearing steel has less toughness, but better edge retention (more carbon). The SR101 from Swamp Rat is a 52100 with maybe one secret incredient and a good heat treatment, of course. I think this is the main difference between the two. 5160 is perfect for larger blades which are primarily used for chopping and such and 52100 is more in the 'cutting' area. Just my 0.02.
 
I have several hunting knives in 52100 in the 4-6" range, including some by Fowler, Burke, and Olson. I really like the cutting performance of the steel for field dressing game but it is very prone to corrosion in my experience. Keep some RenWax, Boeshield or other good protectorant on it.

DancesWithKnives
 
Worked properly either steel will serve you well. Ask the man you are considering purchasing a knife from how he tests his knives and about his guarantee. These are the best questions you can ask a maker.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top