Alloys Found in Steel and Their Various Effects on the Properties of Steel

The following information taken from Tool Steels by Bill Bryson

The following elements/alloys when added to iron in the manufacture of steel impart the characteristics listed:

• 0.06% to 0.40% allows shallow case hardening.
• 0.40% to 0.60% allows easier case harening.
• 0.60% to 0.80% increases hardenability.
• 0.80% and up increases wear, not hardness.

• Increases deeper hardening abilities.

• Adds strength and toughness.

• Adds wear resistance and toughness.

• Adds toughness and some wear.

• Adds wear resistance.

• Refines grain structure.

• Adds heat resistance and hardenability.

• Imparts heat resistance

• Adds wear resistance.

• Imparts better machinability.

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 20 Apr 2009