5160 steel heat treatment. I've had mixed results with water.
5160 steel heat treatment 61%, chromium content 0. Consider doing a pre-coating of PBC Anti Scale or ATP-641 to prevent decarb prior to putting steel in oven. I started with a piece of . My question is: do you then also do two rounds of tempering? Or just two hardening steps and then temper? What I am really after is optimal sequencing for 5160 steel. This is just a starting point. AISI 5160 Steel AISI 5160 steel, also known as 5160 spring steel, is a high carbon chromium alloy (maximum carbon content 0. I am trying to make a small leaf spring that is nla. 2. This book is not intended as a text, but rather as a collection of frequently used reference data to serve persons interested in heat treating technology. I am making mocotaugans. Master those (Not hard), then experiment with the fancy stuff such as multiple quenches, drawing temper with a torch, edge quenching, etc. using only your forge. SAE AISI 1045 Steel ASTM SAE AISI 1045 steel is one of the commonly used medium carbon steels with an average carbon content of 0. Learn about heat treating 6150 spring steel to produce the best quality EDC's and choppers. Temper twice for 2 hours each time. However, it is Sep 19, 2023 · Both 1095 and 5160 can be heat treated effectively, but they require different processes. It also contains the use of AISI 5160,such as it is commonly used in bars, sheet,plates, steel coils, steel pipes,forged and other materials application. It also contains the use of 5160,such as it is commonly used in bars, sheet,plates, steel coils, steel pipes,forged and other materials application. I also explained normalizing. With the lower carbon How To Heat Treat Simple Carbon Steels:The short version:Heat the steel to non-magnetic any way you can (815 C / 1500 F)No hold time required, just get the entire blade to this temperatureQUICKLY quench in luke warm Canola oil (oil is 30-50 C / 86 F-122F)Sand the flats with some sand paper (just enough to get a few shiny sections)Temper the blade in the stove for 2 hours x 2 at 200 C (390 F This page is mainly introduced the SAE 5160 Datasheet, including chemical information,mechanical properties, physical properties, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and Micro structure, etc. It can be treated by annealing, flame treatment or induction hardening. The process typically involves austenitizing, quenching, and tempering to achieve desired mechanical properties. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure your knife performs well under various conditions and stands the test of time. Learn about its toughness, machining, and welding tips. May 2, 2025 · Heat treatment is a crucial process in modifying the properties of SAE AISI 5160 steel, optimizing its mechanical performance for various applications. Is there any 5160 fans out there Mar 22, 2023 · 2) How to heat treat in a forge – includes the best thermal cycling to use prior to forge heat treating. In many cases annealing is just a variation of this. Jan 26, 2015 · Can someone give me all the heat treating details for 5160. I've read some conflicting data on the internet and a ton of different methods of heat treatment. This page is mainly introduced the 5160 Datasheet, including chemical information,mechanical properties, physical properties, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and Micro structure, etc. Nov 30, 2013 · Heat treating this steel is fairly easy and straightforward although it does benefit from a short soak at the hardening temp. I use 5160 steel. They are more responsive to heat and mechanical treatments than carbon steels. Heat Treatment and Mechanical Performance Heat treatment plays a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of 5160 steel. If you don't trust the smith to do the heat treat on Sep 12, 2018 · Annealing Before we can sand, grind or file our work, we should get it into a soft state. Jul 8, 2023 · Proper heat treatment and tempering of 5160 steel can yield a robust, durable knife with optimal hardness, toughness, and edge retention. You Aug 18, 2017 · Basic heat treating of 5160 / SUP9 steel For my next installment in the beginners series I decided to do the fast and loose approach to heat treating 5160 & SUP9 (which are the same thing). Alloy steels are designated by AISI four-digit numbers. This met Jan 8, 2022 · I understand that double hardening can increase the hardening for 5160. However, without proper heat treatment, it may lack the strength or May 12, 2004 · That's the advantage of 5160: heat treat is simple and it's a very forgiving metal. Its hardness greatly depends on the tempering stage, optimal temperature during heat treating as specified by the manufacturer will yield hard steel. Used for a variety of spring applications, notably flat springs. In this video we show you how to heat treat simple alloy steels like 5160 and simple carbon steels like 1084 and 1095 etc. Heat Treatment Process MetalZenith employs precise heat treatment protocols for AISI 5160: Austenitizing at 845-870°C, followed by oil quenching to achieve full hardness (58-62 HRC). I quench between red and orange (by eye, using the forge), making sure to have a really even temperature th Jul 8, 2023 · Heat treatment plays a significant role in maximizing 52100 steel’s potential. Caffrey! I appreciate this kind of detail and the analysis you did to prove your reason for multiple quench. Cold Treatment: A cold treatment may be used after the quench to decrease retained austenite and increase hardness. It's a wonderful steel to work with. It can be hardened by heating it to a specific temperature, typically between 1475°F and 1525°F, and then quenching it in oil or water. how long do you hold before quench?Is it possible to heat in a kiln to temp then quench?one last question, I've always heardtou can't heat treat steel with oxy/acetylene torch,some thing about not enough oxygen or something to that May 18, 2010 · I'd normalize three times at 1600, 1575, 1550, then heat to 1525 and soak 10 minutes before quench. AISI 5160 Spring Steel AISI 5160 Spring Steel All About 5160 Steel (Properties, Strength, and Uses) Alloy Steel 5160, also sold as AISI 5160, is a high carbon and chromium spring steel. With a hardness of 58 HRC, A 5160 high carbon steel knife will have good edge retention and good toughness properties. I forge my knives and then normalize 3 times followed by a nice and even pre-grind. Suggested heat treatment are based on the recommended specifications for use in ovens, high temp salts, and similarly, properly calibrated equipment; and in line with proper industrial standards for quenching. That also makes it great for knives. Quench 3. The procedure outlined above is a tried and true method of hardening certain materials. Learn about heat treatment, durability, and maintenance to choose the perfect sword for your needs. The reply i got that i was wrong with my concept. Tempering before the cold treatment decreases the effectiveness of the cold treatment but also decreases the chance of warping or cracking. We did a study on heat treating of 5160 looking at different austenitizing and tempering temperature combinations to find the optimal heat treatment for toughness. You can work it anywhere from 1600°F up to that. Probably don't need to edge quench 5160, either. One way that many have referenced to me is Ed Caffrey's ABS test blade heat treat method Nov 23, 2021 · #knifemaking #knife #handmade #nowthatsaknife Today is episode 105 of Shop Talk Tuesday on The Rivers' Experience! When we do a build series on Shop Talk Tu Discover the best steel for katanas, from traditional tamahagane to modern high-carbon and spring steels. Designer and knifemaker Derick Rougeau heat treats 5160 steel to be used for torture testing. May 7, 2010 · A few weeks ago I ask a few questions about 5160 but I'm still a little confused about the heat treatment. Folk have quenched in all manner of oils from Parks #50 to transmission fluid to bacon fat to caneloupe. I would double check your grain size at 1600°F, it is quite high and larger grains will increase hardenability. They comprise various types of steels having compositions which exceed the limitations of Va, Cr, Si, Ni, Mo, C and B in the carbon steels. It was cooled slow after forming. . Jun 25, 2017 · The key here is that whatever it is it has to respond to the same heat treatment recipe as 5160 in such a way as to make a functional leaf spring. Often uses Austempering as a method of heat-treating. Feb 17, 2020 · We have previously published articles about the heat treatment of CruForgeV, 52100, 26C3, and 5160 which included a range of heat treatment variables to find the optimal set of properties. We can also produce it according to the AISI, UNS, SAE, ASTM, DIN, JIS technical standard. Plus that way i know what happened to the knife and i can adjust as necessary with the next order. This is not because i don't trust him but i want to feel like i am part of the process and put my theoretical knowledge to use. Apr 1, 2019 · Learn how to maximize the toughness of 5160, a low alloy steel used for forging blades, with heat treatment. #shoptalk #knifemaking #knife #knifemaker #bladeshow Today is episode 179 of Shop Talk Tuesday on The Rivers' Experience!Be sure and check out my website. Feb 5, 2011 · 5160 is a very forgiving steel. I send him a heat treatment protocol. That type of treatment shows up in the instructions for high alloy and stainless steels. May 8, 2017 · I would venture you're overthinking this 5160 is described in most heat treatment guidance I've read as a very forgiving steel to heat treat. Jan 3, 2025 · Discover the properties, uses, and supply range of 5160 high-carbon spring steel at SteelPro Group. Quenching increases hardness, while tempering reduces brittleness, allowing for a balance of strength and toughness suitable for various applications. I personally have had acceptable results with vegetable oil, vegetable shortning, motor oil, and transmission fluid. Cut the 800°F in half for the tempering of blades. I was a bit surprised by the results. Proper heat treatment transforms these high-carbon steels into materials with the desired hardness, toughness, and other characteristics. This process involves controlled heating and cooling of the steel to alter its microstructure and enhance characteristics like hardness, toughness, and ductility. 1095 steel is known for its simplicity in heat treatment. This procedure contributes to the steel’s performance by increasing its hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. It is pretty simple, the more metal you have to move, the more heat you give it. This means no matter if they are 5160, 9260, 6150, or 1075 they'll work if you follow the same steps and temperatures. Temper between 325 & 500 depending on the application. You asked 'how long from return to set point before steel reaches set point'. I have also done some simple HT with 5160 and had pretty good results without any soaking and quenching in automatic transmission fluid (I think canola is too quick for 5160). 214 x 2 inch wide 5160 and formed it hot into the shape needed. The steel exhibits a predominantly pearlitic microstructure in the annealed condition, transforming to tempered martensite after proper heat treatment. Mar 1, 2021 · The datasheet is the starting point for developing a heat treatment, but it can be a bit obscure for those not familiar with the terms. Nov 9, 2023 · SAE 5160 Spring steel Heat Treatment AISI 5160H, known for its exceptional flexibility, offers the advantage of being heat treatable to achieve different hardness levels suited for various operating environments. But we have a good recommendation on the best heat treatment for 5160 Considered a high-carbon alloy steel. You can do it with simple tools and achieve an excellent result because you have a larger window for success. Nov 20, 2010 · Tim Lively has a great video (Knifemaking Unplugged) that includes very low tech heat treating for 5160. I've had mixed results with water. And my “foolproof” method for getting consistent results with forge heat treating One of the steels I tested with the forge heat treating method I developed was 8670 where I achieved very similar results to the furnace heat treating: It mainly introduce the chemical composition,mechanical properties, heat treatment, processing performance and performance standards about SAE 5160. For more information on what he has to offer please visit: www. To help you optimize hardness and other key properties, let's take a look at the heat treatment process for three popular types of spring steel for knife makers. The target temperature for 5160 is 1525°F, but the most you should expect with its carbon level is around 62 HRC. Summary and Conclusions Nov 25, 2024 · Heat treating spring steel is a fascinating process that transforms the properties of spring steel, making it stronger, more durable, and ready for demanding applications. Heat treat; 1. Jan 17, 2004 · We did a study on heat treating of 5160 looking at different austenitizing and tempering temperature combinations to find the optimal heat treatment for toughness. For various specification of steel production and processing to provide the standard production,we have the professional experience for SAE 5160. 9%). Jun 10, 2009 · The steel of choice is 5160. These benefits position SAE AISI 5160 steel as a robust, versatile, and economical material for automotive use. Forging max heat 2200 degrees F. I made some specimens (probetas) and hardened them at different temperatures to see what the ideal temperature is in my oven. Can someone give me the heat treating steps to do the 5160, The heat treating is all new to me I have always sent my blades out for heat treating so please make this simple:biggrin: Thanks Jim Sep 24, 2021 · What is the Heat Treatment of 5160 Stainless Steel? 5160 has an extensive heat treatment. I broke them to see the size of the grain. May 17, 2025 · The heat treatment processes for 5160 steel significantly affect its microstructure and properties. Heat Treaters Guide doesn't specify a soak for 5160 but I always soak for awhile if the temp. Spring steel, known for its flexibility and toughness, is commonly used in products like automotive suspensions, industrial machinery, and even knives. The temperatures were from left to right: 830, 840, 850, 860 and 870 ° C. For superior results, go with a commercial quenching oil - they don't break down over time like the . Jun 5, 2025 · Lastly, 5160 steel responds well to heat treatment processes, allowing manufacturers to tailor its mechanical properties to specific automotive applications. For my next installment in the beginners series I decided to do the fast and loose approach to heat treating 5160 & SUP9 (which are the same thing). I've yet to read heat treating guidance that calls for added complications of things like cryo on simple 5160. is controlled, soaking steels that don't need it won't hurt them. The first heat treatment is naturally the forging. It's a deep hardening steel. Oct 1, 2011 · I want to try my new kiln out and was told 5160 would be a good steel to start out with. Jul 17, 2021 · 5160 Steel Composition 5160 Steel Properties Hardness 5160 steel hardness is 57-58 HRC as per Rockwell hardness. Do it this way, rather than combining it with something you heard or read, to be Aug 22, 2023 · The heat treatment process plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties and performance of both 5160 steel and 1095 steel. I use the same techniques and materials listed above (Though my quenchant is canola oil). ) "Over the years of experimenting I have found that steels that Nov 30, 2019 · That is why some time ago I bought an electric oven to do heat treatments. Mar 24, 2022 · So I've got some strange behavior and discoloration that I don't understand. At this temperature, the steel’s structure becomes austenitic Jan 13, 2019 · Heat oven to temperature (1525-1530 F), put steel in oven, wait until temperature rebounds then start your timer for 10-15 minutes. The process involves austenitizing, which consists of heating the steel to a specific temperature range to alter its microstructure. There are as many heat treat recipes as there are knifemakers, but in general, Sep 17, 2018 · 1475°F is too low for 5160 even without the normalizing, especially in the lower ranges, will pull carbon further out of solution and give much more decarb. As with most simple steels, you can get by with heating a little past non-magnetic and quenching in warm oil. Sep 23, 2021 · The method of heat treating normalized steel and checking with a magnet would not work for high alloy tool steels, high speed steels, stainless steels, etc. I have not attempted to heat treat any of those in a forge and the methods required to do so would be different. for 5160. I'm using known steel, 5160. It offers users outstanding toughness, a high level of ductility, and excellent fatigue resistance. Austenitizing: The steel is heated to approximately 830°C to 860°C (1526°F to 1580°F). Sep 25, 2023 · The steel used to make springs needs to be tough, resilient material. 1650 seems a little hot for austinizing the steel for hardening. Just stick it in the oil and if it warps, straighten during tempering. But not always, so I will cover various methods of annealing, from simple to complex to address the needs of steel Jun 7, 2022 · How To Heat Treat 5160 Spring Steel? Knife producers like simple carbon steels because they are easy to heat treat. 45%, medium tensile properties, good strength, toughness and wear resistance. As quenched hardness of 58 to 63 HRC. I am looking for instructions on where to go from here to Feb 22, 2018 · 2,200°F is the maximum forging temp. 5160 is a hypoeutectic steel (the carbon is below the saturation point in the austinetic [hot] phase) so it's not as subject to grain growth but why push it. This page is mainly introduced the AISI 5160 Datasheet, including chemical information,mechanical properties, physical properties, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and Micro structure, etc. AISI SAE 5160 high carbon steel has excellent toughness, ductility and fatigue resistance and is commonly used in industrial applications as well as in the automotive sector for many different heavy duty spring applications, especially for Jan 16, 2000 · I know it is an oil quench steel what is the critical temp. All About 5160 Steel (Properties, Strength, and Uses) Alloy Steel 5160, also sold as AISI 5160, is a high carbon and chromium spring steel. It also contains the use of SAE 5160,such as it is commonly used in bars, sheet,plates, steel coils, steel pipes,forged and other materials application. Deviation from industry standards for schedules, equipment, quenching mediums; and hardness testing equipment may result in varied results. Aug 28, 2025 · To heat treat 5160 steel, a multi-step thermal process involving normalizing, austenitizing, quenching, and tempering is crucial to develop its optimal properties of toughness, hardness, and fatigue resistance. As explained in the heat treating section, there are various internal physical forms that steel can take. Jan 28, 2012 · 3. I May 9, 2014 · The most detailed info I could find on heat treating 5160 was from Ed Caffrey on another forum 13 yrs ago: (Thank you Mr. Here are some basic heat treating instructions for several common knife steels. These instructions are based primarily off of internet sources, particularly Kevin Cashen's page, but also from various Bladeforums posts and my own experience in working with most of these steels. The forging of 5160 occurs between a temperature range depending on minute difference in composition. Again, I would take it up to non-magnetic, then a little hotter (brighter) and hold for a minute to make sure the steel is heated throughout. Basically any steel with 3% chromium or more. Do not forge below 1600 degrees F. 1149 and 1204°C (2100 and 2200°F). Heat to 1525 and soak for 5 - 10 minutes. There are a lot of heat treatments based upon belief, I always just looked at what was actually happening inside the steel and proceeded accordingly, the actual The SECO/WARWICK Heat Treating Data Book contains information about heat treating metals. See the effects of austenitizing, tempering, and cryo on hardness and toughness, and compare 5160 with other knife steels. gudu vdoe eofmo lqv ioddq tgcbc rdloak ggocmz iwkry via rrcs wfw utb sfffn xhqlrf