Stressproof & 1117 alternatives

[Ditems]

Hi there,

I am trying to find an alternative for some materials used for (small) automotive shafts and gears. For gears, I am looking for alternative materials for 1117 and for stressproof steel (treated 1144). The latter is also used for shafts. As we are globally sourcing we encounter countries that do not have all these materials at hand and have to import them. A material substitution can result in more cost savings.

What is the exact difference between 10xx serie and 11xx serie? All I could find was that the machinability is improved and that 1117 has better case hardening properties. What can be a suitable alternative for 1117 in the 10xx series? If there isn't any, can 41xx or another alloy be an alternative?

The same question for Stressproof Steel; I know this is a registered trademark and an improved version of 1144, but it is mainly available in the US. Does anyone has any suggestions for an alternative?

Thanks for replying

 

[CoryPad]

The exact difference in chemical composition between a 10XX alloy and 11XX alloy depends on the specific numbers. For 1017 and 1117 according to SAE J403:

Alloy / C conc / Mn conc / P conc / S conc
1017 / 0.15–0.20 / 0.30–0.60 / 0.030 / 0.050
1117 / 0.14–0.20 / 1.00–1.30 / 0.030 / 0.08–0.13

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[kenvlach]

For generic equivalent of 'Stressproof' modified-1144, you can use ASTM A311, Class B. See the proprietary specs. at

http://www.niagaralasalle.com/products/stressproof.html#chemistry

(patent issued back in 1938, so expired).

ASTM A311/A311M-04 "Standard Specification for Cold-Drawn, Stress-Relieved Carbon Steel Bars Subject to Mechanical Property Requirements"

http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCar...EDLINE_PAGES/A311A311M.htm?L+mystore+bqqi0829

 

[BillPSU]

Both 1117 and 1144 are resulfurized steels giving better machinability to these materials. Standard carbon steel materials can be utilized such as 1018 and 1045 or 1050 with the appropriate strength levels however the machinability will suffer. The variation from the carbon content will not normally have an impact on the application as the tolerance ranges on carbon content will overlap on the mentioned steels. The advantage of using the carbon steel materials is they can be welded while the resulphurized steels will have hot cracking in the welds due to the sulphur impurity.

kenvlach is correct in pointing out the generic specification for these materials which will probably correspond to some locally available product.

 

[Ditems]

Can I conclude that the subsitution of 1117 by 1018 will not affect the finals strength and hardness (after heat treatment)?

 

[TVP]

Ditems,

The answer to your last question is yes. While 1117 is sometimes used for case hardening applications, it certainly is not better than other alloys like 1018, 5120, etc. It only has improved machinability due to the large additions of sulfur.

 

[Ditems]

Thanks all for your responses.

About the ASTM A311 specs, I don't have the exact specification of this (I know I could buy it, but I hope I don't have to). Does anyone know an alternative for Stressproof Steel that meets the ASTM A311 Class B standard? Can cold drawn 1144 be used? Or maybe another type of steel that has even better properties?