A514 substitution options

[muttyv]

I work on the Weld Engineering side of our company. It has been proposed to use AISI 8625 cast quench and tempered as a substitution for A514 GH for spring hanger brackets. The reasoning is that the 8625 can be cast to near net, whereas the A514 must be fully machined. Is there a better option for this substitution? Preheat will occur, PWHT is unlikely. Part dimensions are, very roughly, 5"x5"x1.5". Thoughts?

 

[metengr]

Not enough information in your post to provide any further material choice recommendations. Why are you asking for a better option? Is this proposed material substitution based on cost savings and/or product reliability improvement? I get very concerned with material substitutions for components unless significant background work is done regarding reverse engineering.

What has been the performance of the A 514 bracket material? For material substitutions you need to carefully review material properties and this includes fatigue properties (if applicable) in addition to cost before making any off the cuff material substitutions.

 

[muttyv]

Our Designers are looking for a cost reduction. They are after the similar tensile and yield (100ksi min) properties of the A514, toughness is not top priority. Someone found the 8625 in a book and thought, hey why dont we use this...? From a weldability standpoint the 8625 is more difficult to deal with. I am not very familiar with castings. I am only looking for thoughts of potentials that could offer similar mechanicals to the A514 and, hopefully, maintain a fair weldability... Basically just some different options to put in front of them. They will need to determine usability for the particular application. I am only hoping for unofficial thoughts.

 

[metengr]

Take a look at cast 4130 steel, quenched and tempered.

 

[EdStainless]

Do they want to change method of manufacture or the material?
So how is the current blank made? Forged? machined from plate?
If you change method you may also need to change properties in order to keep the same safety factors.

My first though is if you are not able to PWHT this it should be a steel with low hardenability.
Have you looked at microalloyed steels? I know of many with 90ksi min Yield, and some are stronger.
The material is not very expensive and the heat treatment is simple.

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[tbuelna]

Depending on the shape of the part, the amount of finish machining required, and the number of parts required, forging the part from 4130 might actually be a viable option. Or as metengr suggests, you could cast the part from 4130 alloy steel. The raw material cost will be lower with 4130 than 8625 alloy steel. But you'll also need to consider what the material it will be welded to is. It might be difficult to get 100ksi YTS with welded 4130 unless you perform a heat treatment after welding.

 

[arunmrao]

Material/process substitution ideas can be hilarious and provide a good laugh. Yesterday in the midst of a serious technical discussion ,a sales person, suggested that we consider Ductile Iron to substitute a carbon steel forging !!

4130 as suggested by others is a good substitute either in the cast or forged form.

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