Need some heat treat specs please

[Bruce Evans]

The paper cutter steel I have been getting was annalized out as being 1050 cold rolled steel.Bummer I was hoping it was cruwear.But this should be a good steel anyway.
The question is,does anybody have or know where i can find heat treating specs for the 1050 ????
Will it make a decent back spring for a slip joint folder ?
Or should I only use it in Damascus.and not try and use it for straight folding or hunting knives..
Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Fox]

Bruce, here is what the ASTM manual states. This is a synopsis from the manual as typed up by a friend.

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1050 AISI
Carbon 0.48 to 0.55
Manganese 0.60 to 0.90
Phosphorus 0.040 Max
Sulfur 0.050 Max

Borderline between medium-carbon and high-carbon steel
As quenched hardness at least 58 to 60 HRC

Forging max heat 2250 degrees F.
Do not forge below 1555 degrees F.

Normalizing - heat to 1650 F and cool in air.

Annealing - heat to 1525 F. Furnace cool to 1200 F at a rate not to exceed 50F per hour.

Hardening – austenitize at 1525 F and quench in water or brine. Small sections may be oil quenched for full hardness.

(Normalize and temper as for 1040)

Temper after hardening – to get specific tensile strength.
1050 F for 90 to 125 ksi (1000 pounds per square inch)
895 F for 125 to 150 ksi
700 F for 150 to 170 ksi

Tempering after normalizing up to 1000 F may be applied for a structure of fine pearlite. Often applied to heavy forgings.
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According to the graph supplied 400 F will give you about 56 - 57 RC. The graph does not offer a tempering range below 400 F. Hope this helps.

Fox

 

[Bruce Evans]

Thanks this is what I was looking for..
I need to get me a book on the steels and how to heat treat them..
Bruce