Properties
Chemical, Physical and Mechanical Properties
I’ll provide you with the detailed chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of En1a steel as per BS970:1955 (British Standard). Please note that BS970:1955 has been superseded by newer standards, but the information remains relevant for understanding En1a steel’s properties.
Chemical Properties (as per BS970:1955):
- Carbon (C): 0.07-0.15%
- Silicon (Si): 0.10% max
- Manganese (Mn): 0.80-1.20%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.070% max
- Sulfur (S): 0.20-0.30%
Physical Properties:
- Density: approximately 7.85 g/cm³
- Melting Point: around 1450°C (2642°F)
- Thermal Conductivity: approximately 52 W/m·K
- Electrical Resistivity: about 0.16 x 10⁻⁶ Ω·m
- Magnetic Properties: Ferromagnetic
Mechanical Properties (in the as-supplied condition):
- Tensile Strength: 370-440 MPa (54-64 ksi)
- Yield Strength: 200-280 MPa (29-41 ksi)
- Elongation: 20-30% (on 50mm gauge length)
- Reduction of Area: Not specified in BS970:1955, but typically 40-50%
- Hardness: 111-149 HB (Brinell)
- Impact Strength: Not specified for this grade, as it’s primarily used for its machinability rather than toughness
- Modulus of Elasticity: Approximately 190-210 GPa
Additional Properties:
- Machinability: Excellent (rated at 100% in the machinability index, where 100% is the reference for free-cutting steels)
- Weldability: Good, due to low carbon content
- Cold Formability: Good
- Hot Formability: Good
It’s important to note that:
- The mechanical properties can vary slightly depending on the exact composition within the allowed range and the manufacturing process.
- En1a is not typically heat-treated for strength improvement due to its low carbon content. However, it can be case-hardened if surface hardness is required.
- The high sulphur content, which gives En1a its excellent machinability, also makes it less suitable for applications requiring high strength or toughness.
- While BS970:1955 has been replaced by newer standards, the composition and properties of En1a have remained largely consistent, making this historical data still relevant for understanding the material’s characteristics.