Alloying Elements

This article lists common alloying elements and their properties.

Manganese (Mn)

Has a gray-white, metallic appearance and is very brittle.

Provides the following properties to steel:

• Improves strength
• Increases hardness
• Increases toughness
• Decreases ductility
• Decreases weldability

Manganese Alloy Steels are commonly used for:

• Auto axles and parts
• Impact-resistant tools
• Hoppers and chutes
• Food processing Equipment

SAE designation for Manganese Alloy Steels:

• 13xx (1.75%)

Chromium (Cr)

Is a silvery-metallic, hard metal that possess magnetic properties.

Provides the following properties to steel:

• Improves hardenability
• Improves wear resistance
• Increases corrosion/oxidation resistance
• Improves high-temperature strength
• Reduces machinability
• Reduces weldability
• Reduces cold workability

Chromium Alloy Steels are commonly used for:

• Ball bearings
• Cutlery/Cookware
• Surgical equipment
• Bicycle frames

SAE designation for Chromium Alloy Steels:

• 50xx (0.27 ~ 0.65%)
• 50xxx (0.50%)
• 51xx (0.80 ~ 1.05%)
• 51xxx (1.02%)
• 52xxx (1.45%)

Molybdenum (Mo)

This is a silvery-white metal that has a high melting point and low thermal coefficient of expansion.

Provides the following properties to steel:

• Improves toughness
• Increases hardenability
• Improves creep strength
• Extends wear resistance
• Improves corrosion resistance
• Improves cold workability

Molybdenum Alloy Steels are commonly used for:

• Applications where high temperatures are encountered
• Components for aircraft engines
• Components for Nuclear Power and Chemical Plants

SAE designation for Molybdenum Alloy Steels:

• 40xx (0.20 ~ 0.25%)
• 44xx (0.40 ~ 0.52%)

Nickel (Ni)

This is a silvery-white metal that is malleable and ductile.

Provides the following properties to steel:

• Improves strength
• Improves toughness
• Increases impact strength
• Increases oxidation and corrosion resistance
• Increases high temperature resistance

Nickel Alloy Steels are commonly used for:

• Piping systems
• Axle and propeller shafts
• Heat exchangers

SAE designation for Nickel Alloy Steels:

• 23xx (3.50%)
• 25xx (5.00%)