Metallurgy Insights

Explore microstructure changes, phase diagrams, and transformation charts for a deeper understanding of steel metallurgy.

Heat Treatment Temperatures by Steel Grade

Recommended temperature ranges for common heat treatment processes

Steel Grade	Carbon %	Annealing	Normalizing	Hardening	Tempering	Max Hardness
AISI 1018	0.15-0.20%	870-910°C	910-940°C	890-920°C (Carburized)	150-200°C	HB 121
AISI 1020	0.18-0.23%	870-900°C	900-925°C	870-900°C	540-650°C	HB 111-149
AISI 1045	0.43-0.50%	790-870°C	845-900°C	820-850°C	540-650°C	HRC 54-59
AISI 1095	0.90-1.03%	760-815°C	845-900°C	790-830°C	175-540°C	HRC 60-66
AISI 4130	0.28-0.33%	845-885°C	870-925°C	845-870°C	370-650°C	HRC 45-52
AISI 4140	0.38-0.43%	815-870°C	870-900°C	845-870°C	540-680°C	HRC 51-58
AISI 4340	0.38-0.43%	810-865°C	870-900°C	815-870°C	425-650°C	HRC 50-57
AISI 5160	0.56-0.64%	790-830°C	845-885°C	800-830°C	425-650°C	HRC 58-62
AISI 52100	0.98-1.10%	760-815°C	870-980°C	815-845°C	120-260°C	HRC 62-66
AISI 6150	0.48-0.53%	815-870°C	870-925°C	845-870°C	425-650°C	HRC 50-56
AISI 8620	0.18-0.23%	870-910°C	900-940°C	840-870°C (Carburized)	150-200°C	HRC 60-63 (Case)
AISI 9310	0.08-0.13%	845-885°C	900-925°C	830-860°C (Carburized)	150-200°C	HRC 60-64 (Case)
O1 Tool Steel	0.85-1.00%	745-800°C	N/A	775-815°C	175-315°C	HRC 57-62
A2 Tool Steel	0.95-1.05%	870-900°C	N/A	925-955°C	175-540°C	HRC 57-62
D2 Tool Steel	1.40-1.60%	870-900°C	N/A	980-1025°C	205-540°C	HRC 54-61
S7 Tool Steel	0.45-0.55%	815-845°C	N/A	925-955°C	205-540°C	HRC 54-58
H13 Tool Steel	0.32-0.45%	840-900°C	N/A	1010-1050°C	540-650°C	HRC 42-52
M2 High Speed	0.80-0.88%	840-900°C	N/A	1180-1230°C	540-590°C	HRC 63-65
410 Stainless	0.15% max	815-900°C	N/A	925-1010°C	200-590°C	HRC 40-45
420 Stainless	0.15% min	815-900°C	N/A	980-1035°C	150-370°C	HRC 50-52
440C Stainless	0.95-1.20%	840-900°C	N/A	1010-1065°C	150-370°C	HRC 58-60
154CM Stainless	1.05%	870-900°C	N/A	1040-1095°C	150-565°C	HRC 58-61
W1 Tool Steel	0.60-1.40%	745-790°C	N/A	760-800°C	175-340°C	HRC 62-66
CPM 3V	0.80%	870-900°C	N/A	1025-1120°C	540-565°C	HRC 58-60
CPM S30V	1.45%	870-900°C	N/A	1040-1095°C	175-565°C	HRC 58-61
M4 High Speed	1.42%	870-900°C	N/A	1175-1230°C	540-565°C	HRC 64-66

Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals

Understanding the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is fundamental to metallurgy.

Ferrous Metals (Iron-Based)

Metals that contain iron (Fe) as their primary component. Carbon (C) is the most common alloying element.

Key Properties:

High strength and durability.
Generally magnetic.
Prone to rust (oxidation), except for stainless steels.
Good tensile strength and hardness.

Common Examples:

Carbon Steel
Alloy Steel
Stainless Steel
Cast Iron
Tool Steel

Typical Applications:

Construction (beams, rebar), automotive (chassis, engines), tools, pipelines, and heavy machinery.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Metals that do not have a significant amount of iron.

Key Properties:

Generally not magnetic.
Higher corrosion resistance.
Lower density (lightweight) and more malleable.
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

Common Examples:

Aluminum (Al)
Copper (Cu)
Titanium (Ti)
Nickel (Ni)
Zinc (Zn)

Typical Applications:

Aerospace (aluminum, titanium), electrical wiring (copper), plumbing (copper), and corrosion-resistant coatings (zinc).