Alloying Elements Table

A substitution of an alloy element can change the composition of the alloyed steel causing unforeseen problems. NHML receives numerous calls a year requesting to have the alloying elements in steel verified for this reason.

We have provided a table of alloying elements, their principle functions, and carbide tendencies. If you work with any of these materials and experienced problems, call to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. We may be able to help provide an answer.

View the entire table or download the table in PDF format (125 KB)

Hardenability Calculation:

A number of elements have been noted as having the ability to increase hardenability. Burns, Moore, and Archer (ASM Trans. 1938) developed a chemical factor calculation to quantify the effect of alloying additions. The chemical factor, as computed below has a direct relationship with Rockwell-inch hardenability.

Chemical factor = 1000 (%C) + 500 (%Mn) + 400 (%Cr) + 100 (%Ni) + 25 (%Cu) + 1000 (%Mo)

Note that while no alloying additions result in sudden increases, or decreases in mechanical properties, corrosion resistance may be significantly altered by small changes in composition.

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