SPECIAL STEELS

PRODUCT CATALOGUE
 With a rich legacy spanning over 116 years, we are immensely proud of

our status as leading manufacturer, merchandiser and distributor of

steel and value added steel products.

Our extensive product portfolio, robust infrastructure and technical

competencies, combined with our continuous improvement initiatives

has solidified our reputation as the pre-eminent supplier of steel on the

African continent.

At Macsteel, we operate through a strategic network of over 40 service

centres, branches and warehouses, enabling us to provide our valued

customers with exceptional levels of personalised service throughout

the entire steel supply chain.

SPECIAL STEELS
1
 Contents

CARBON STEEL 1 HARDNESS CONVERSIONS 28

070M20 (EN3A) 1
080M40 (EN 8) 2 HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS RANGE 29
070M55 (EN9) 4
150M19 (EN14) 6 HEAT TREATMENT OF STEELS 30

ALLOY STEEL 7 HEAT TREATMENT PROCESSES 31

709M40 (EN19) 7
817M40 (EN24) 9 HEAT TREATMENT FURNACES UTILISED 32
826M40 (EN26) 11
835M30 (EN30B) 12 METALLURGICAL SERVICES 33
655M13 (EN36B) 13
GLOSSARY OF METALLURGICAL TERMS 34
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 14
LIMITING RULING SECTION (LRS) 14 FACT SHEET ON ALLOYING AND
HEAT TREATMENT CONDITIONS 14 ACCOMPANYING ELEMENTS IN STEEL 37
COLOUR CHART 15
THEORETICAL MASS CALCULATIONS 16 ABBREVIATIONS 38

HOLLOW BAR 17 ACCREDITATION 39

St 52.0 18 ISO 9001:2015 39
HB SIZE AND WEIGHT CHART 19 ISO 14001:2015 40
ISO 45001:2018 41
BRIGHT BAR 22
SAE 1018 23
080A42 (EN8) 24
230M07 26
SAE 12L14 27

SPECIAL STEELS
1
 CARBON STEEL | 070M20

070M20 BLACK:
(0.20% CARBON STEEL) As Rolled or As
Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 3 A - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min 0.16 0.10 0.50 - -
Max 0.24 0.40 0.90 0.050 0.050

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. Elongation
Heat treated condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
Normalized 150 126 - 179* 430 min 215 min 21 min
Normalized 250 116 - 170* 400 min 200 min 21 min
*Hardness is for guidance only

Heat treatment
• Normalizing - re-heat (austenizing) between 880°C and 910°C followed by cooling in still air
• This grade is normally not hardened (quenched and tempered)
• Where material is above the LRS, only the surface hardness will be given as a guide and mechanical properties will be for information
only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 255HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
16.3 16 15.7 1.578 76.2 75 68.8 34.678 193 190 190 222.557
20.3 20 19.7 2.466 81.57 80 78.43 39.456 206 203 203 254.053
22.3 22 21.7 2984 86.57 85 83.43 44.542 213 210 210 271.877
24.3 24 23.7 3.551 91.5 90 88.5 49.937 223 220 220 298.386
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 96.5 95 93.5 55.639 234 230 230 632.129
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 101.5 100 98.5 61.650 244 240 240 355.104
32.45 32 31.55 6.313 106.5 105 103.5 67.969 254 250 250 385.313
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 111.5 110 108.5 74.597 265 260 260 416.754
36.45 36 35.55 7.990 116.5 115 113.5 81.532 275 270 270 449.429
38.45 38 37.55 8.902 121.5 120 118.5 88.776 285 280 280 483.336
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 126.5 125 123.5 96.328 311 305 305 573.499
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 131.5 130 128.5 104.189 326 320 320 631.296
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 336 330 330 671.369
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 346 340 340 712.674
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 356 350 350 755.213
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 173 170 170 178.169 387 380 380 890.226
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 183 180 180 199.746 412 405 405 1011.214

Typical uses
Shafts, bolts, studs, couplings & machinery components where low tensile strength material is required.

SPECIAL STEELS
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 CARBON STEEL | 080M40

080M40 GREEN:
(0.40% CARBON STEEL) As Rolled or As
Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 8 - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min 0.36 0.10 0.60 - -
Max 0.44 0.40 1.00 0.050 0.050

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation Impact strength
Heat treated condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (J)
Normalized 150 152 - 207* 550 min 280 min - 16 min 16 min
Normalized 250 146 - 197* 510 min 245 min - 17 min -
Q 63 179 - 229 625 - 775 385 min 355 min 16 min 28 min
R 19 201 - 255 700 - 850 465 min 450 min 16 min 28 min
*Hardness is for guidance only

Heat treatment
• Normalizing - re-heat (austenizing) between 830°C and 860°C followed by cooling in still air
• Hardening - re-heat between 830°C and 860°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally between 550°C and 660°C
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 321HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Heat treated - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

SPECIAL STEELS
2
 CARBON STEEL | 080M40

Size range in round bar and square bar offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
16.3 16 15.7 1.578 106.5 105 103.5 67.969 377 370 370 843.989
20.3 20 19.7 2.466 111.5 110 108.5 74.597 387 380 380 890.226
22.3 22 21.7 2.984 116.5 115 113.5 81.532 407 400 400 986.400
24.3 24 23.7 3.551 121.5 120 118.5 88.776 433 425 425 113.553
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 126.5 125 123.5 96.328 458 450 450 1246.413
27.3 27 26.7 4.494 131.5 130 128.5 104.180 n/a 480 480 1420.416
28.3 28 27.7 4.833 136.5 135 133.5 112.357 n/a 500 500 1541.250
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 n/a 525 525 1699.228
32.45 32 31.55 6.313 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 n/a 550 550 1864.913
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 161.5 160 158.5 157.824
36.45 36 35.55 7.990 173 170 170 178.169 Square bar (round cornered)
38.45 38 37.55 8.902 183 180 180 199.746
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 193 190 190 222.557 Max Nominal Min Calculated
42.6 42 41.4 10.875 206 203 203 254.053 diameter weight
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 213 210 210 271.877 (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
48.6 48 47.4 14.204 218 215 215 284.977 40.5 40 39.5 12.51
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 223 220 220 298.386 45.56 45 44.44 15.83
53.6 53 52.4 17.317 234 230 230 326.129 50.63 50 49.37 19.54
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 244 240 240 355.104 55.64 55 54.36 23.66
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 254 250 250 385.313 60.75 60 59.25 28.24
63.8 63 62.2 24.469 265 260 260 416.754 65.8 65 64.2 33.03
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 275 270 270 449.429 70.88 70 69.12 38.30
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 285 280 280 483.336 75.92 75 74.8 44.15
76.2 75 68.8 34.678 296 290 290 518.477 93.2 92.1 91 66.20
81.57 80 78.43 39.456 311 305 305 573.499 107 105 103 83.00
86.57 85 83.43 44.542 326 320 320 631.296 114.5 112.5 110.5 93.53
91.5 90 88.5 49.937 336 330 330 671.369
96.5 95 93.5 55.639 346 340 340 712.674
101.5 100 98.5 61.650 356 350 350 755.213
104.5 103 101.5 65.404 367 360 360 798.984

Typical uses
Dynamo and motor shafts, heat treated bolts and stus, crankshafts, connecting rods, driving rings and flanges, railway couplings, axles,
brackets, housings and parts subjected to high stresses or wear, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
3
 CARBON STEEL | 070M55

070M55 YELLOW:
(0.55% CARBON STEEL) As Rolled or As
Forged Black bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 9 - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min 0.50 0.10 0.50 - -
Max 0.60 0.40 0.90 0.050 0.050

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation
Heat treated condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
Normalized 63 201 - 255 700 min 355 min - 12 min
Normalized 250 170 - 223 600 min 310 min - 13 min
R 100 201 - 255 700 - 850 415 min 385 min 14 min
S 63 223 - 277 775 - 925 480 min 450 min 14 min
T 19 248 - 302 850 - 1000 570 min 555 min 12 min

Heat treatment
• Normalizing - re-heat (austenizing) between 810°C and 840°C followed by cooling in still air
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 810°C and 840°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally between 550°C and 660°C
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 321HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

SPECIAL STEELS
4
 CARBON STEEL | 070M55

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
16.3 16 15.7 1.578 91.5 85 83.43 44.542 244 240 240 355.104
20.3 20 19.7 2.466 96.5 90 88.5 49.937 254 250 250 385.313
22.3 22 21.7 2984 101.5 95 93.5 55.639 265 260 260 416.754
24.3 24 23.7 3.551 106.5 100 98.5 61.650 275 270 270 449.429
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 111.5 105 103.5 67.969 285 280 280 483.336
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 116.5 110 108.5 74.597 311 305 305 573.499
32.45 32 31.55 6.313 121.5 115 113.5 81.532 326 320 320 631.296
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 126.5 120 118.5 88.776 336 330 330 671.369
36.45 36 35.55 7.990 131.5 130 128.5 104.189 346 340 340 712.674
38.45 38 37.55 8.902 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 356 350 350 755.213
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 387 380 380 890.226
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 412 405 405 1011.214
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 173 170 170 178.169 433 425 425 113.553
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 183 180 180 199.746 458 450 450 1248.413
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 193 190 190 222.557 n/a 475 475 1390.978
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 206 203 203 254.053 n/a 500 500 1541.250
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 213 210 210 271.877
76.2 75 68.8 34.678 223 220 220 298.386
81.57 80 78.43 39.456 234 230 230 326.129

Typical uses
Sprockets, cylinders, cams, crankshafts, keys, small gears, machine tools, grinding balls in ball mills, ball race rings, requiring moderate
wear resistance, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
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 CARBON STEEL | 150M19

150M19 WHITE, BLACK, GREEN:

As Rolled or As
Forged Black Bar
(LOW CARBON-MANGANESE STEEL)
SPECIFICATION - BS 2772:Part 2:1989
(Formally known as EN 14 B) WHITE, GREEN:
Normalized Black Bar
Chemical composition limits
% C Si Mn S P WHITE, RED, GREEN:
Min 0.15 0.10 1.30 - - Heat treated Black Bar
Max 0.23 0.40 1.70 0.050 0.050

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. Impact strength Elongation
Condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (J) (%)
Hardened & tempered to 150 152 - 207 540 min 340 min 68 min* 24 min
BS2772:Part 2:1989 250 146 - 197 540 min 340 min 55 min* 20 min
*Tested at -20°C

Heat treatment
• Normalized - re-heat between 860°C and 900°C followed by cooling in still air
• Hardening - re-heat between 860°C and 900°C followed by quenching in water or oil
• Tempering - generally between 550°C and 670°C
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific condition, the hardness and mechanical properties will be for information only. Only
surface hardness will be guaranteed

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 280HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• To BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or BS 2772:Part 2:1989 or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

As rolled or as forged/heat treated Size range offered in square bar

Tolerances subject to supplying mill offering.

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max

diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm)
75 75 74.88 34.678 150
88.43 90 91 57 49.937 160
104.5 103 101.5 65.404 175
116.5 115 113.5 81.532 200
131.5 130 128.5 104.189 230
178 175 175 188.803 245
183 180 180 199.746 275
203 200 200 246.600
223 220 220 298.386

Typical uses
Extensively used for mine lifting and winding equipment, motor shafts, engineering and machinery parts where good weldability is
important, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
6
 ALLOY STEEL | 709M40

709M40 BROWN:
As Rolled or As
(1% CARBON, ¼% MOLY STEEL) Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 19 - BS 970:1955) BROWN, BLUE:
Rolled or Forged Black
Bar Heat Treated to
Chemical composition limits Condition “T”
% C Si Mn S P Cr Ni Mo
Min 0.36 0.10 0.70 - - 0.90 - 0.25
Max 0.44 0.35 1.00 0.04 0.035 1.20 0.40 0.35

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation Impact strength
Condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (J)
Annealed - 255 max - - - - -
Spheroidize annealed - 235 max - - - - -
R 250 210 - 255 700 - 850 495 min 480 min 15 min 28 min
S 250 223 - 277 775 - 925 555 min 540 min 13 min 22 min
S 150 223 - 277 775 - 925 585 min 570 min 15 min 50 min
T 100 248 - 302 850 - 1000 680 min 665 min 13 min 50 min
U 63 369 - 331 925 - 1075 755 min 740 min 12 min 42 min
V 29 293 - 352 1000 - 1150 850 min 835 min 12 min 42 min
W 19 311 - 375 1075 - 1225 940 min 925 min 12 min 35 min

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 860°C and 890°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally between 550°C and 700°C
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 321HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

SPECIAL STEELS
7
 ALLOY STEEL | 709M40

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
20.3 20 19.7 2.466 76.2 75 73.8 34.678 206 203 203 254.053
22.3 22 21.7 2.984 81.57 80 78.43 39.456 213 210 210 271.877
24.3 24 23.7 3.551 86.57 85 83.43 44.542 223 220 220 298.386
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 91.5 90 88.5 49.937 234 230 230 326.129
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 96.5 95 93.5 55.639 244 240 240 355.104
32.45 32 31.55 6.313 101.5 100 98.5 61.650 254 250 250 385.313
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 106.5 105 103.5 67.969 265 260 260 416.754
36.45 36 35.55 7.990 111.5 110 108.5 74.597 275 270 270 449.429
38.45 38 37.55 8.902 116.5 115 113.5 81.532 285 280 280 483.336
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 121.5 120 118.5 88.776 295 290 290 518.477
43.6 43 42.4 11.399 131.5 130 128.5 104.189 311 305 300 573.499
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 326 320 320 631.296
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 336 330 330 671.369
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 346 340 340 712.674
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 173 170 170 178.169 356 350 350 755.213
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 183 180 180 199.746 387 380 380 890.226
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 193 190 190 222.557 412 405 405 1011.214

Typical uses
Axles, cranksafts, connecting rods, gears, high tensile bolts and studs, propeller shaft joints, rifle barrels and breech mechanisms for
small arms, induction hardened track pins, shafts, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
8
 ALLOY STEEL | 817M40

817M40 RED:
As Rolled or As
(1½% NICKEL, 1¼% CHROME, ¼% MOLY STEEL) Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 24 - BS 970:1955) RED, BLUE:
Rolled or Forged Black
Bar Heat Treated to
Chemical composition limits Condition “T”
% C Si Mn S P Cr Ni Mo
Min 0.36 0.10 0.45 - - 1.00 1.30 0.20
Max 0.44 0.35 0.70 0.035 0.04 1.40 1.70 0.35

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation Impact strength
Condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (J)
Annealed - 277 max - - - - -
Spheroidize annealed - 248 max - - - - -
T 250 248 - 302 850 - 1000 650 min 635 min 13 min 35 min
T 150 248 - 302 850 - 1000 680 min 665 min 13 min 50 min
U 100 269 - 331 925 - 1075 755 min 740 min 12 min 42 min
V 63 293 - 352 1000 - 1150 850 min 835 min 12 min 42 min
W 29 311 - 375 1075 - 1225 940 min 925 min 11 min 35 min
X 29 341 - 401 1150 - 1300 1020 min 1005 min 10 min 28 min
Y 29 363 - 429 1225 - 1375 1095 min 1080 min 10 min 21 min
Z* 29 444 min 1550 min 1235 min 1125 min 5 min 9 min
*Sulphur & phosphorous content shall not exceed 0.025% for material in condition Z unless agreed to otherwise

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 820°C and 850°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally not exceeding 660°C and avoiding temperatures between 280°C and 500°C if possible
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 321HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

SPECIAL STEELS
9
 ALLOY STEEL | 817M40

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
20.3 20 19.7 2.466 96.5 95 93.5 55.639 244 240 240 355.104
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 101.5 100 98.5 61.650 254 250 250 385.313
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 109.5 108 106.5 71.909 265 260 260 416.754
32.45 32 31.55 6.313 116.5 115 113.5 81.532 275 270 270 449.429
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 121.5 120 118.5 88.776 285 280 280 483.336
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 131.5 130 128.5 104.189 296 290 290 518.477
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 311 305 305 573.499
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 320 350 370 400
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 326 320 320 631.296
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 173 170 170 178.169 336 330 330 671.369
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 183 180 180 199.746 356 350 350 755.213
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 193 190 190 222.557 367 360 360 798.984
76.2 75 73.8 34.678 206 203 203 254.053 387 380 380 890.226
81.57 80 78.43 39.456 213 210 210 271.877 412 405 405 1011.214
86.57 85 83.43 44.542 223 220 220 298.386
91.5 90 88.5 49.937 234 230 230 326.129

Typical uses
Axles, cranksafts, differential shafts, connecting rods, push rods, gears, high tensile bolts and studs, heavy duty connecting rods, automobile
main shafts, gun barrels and breech mechanisms, mandrels for tube manufacture , pinion sleeves, machine tool parts such as spindle gears,
power transmission slide gears and cams, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
10
 ALLOY STEEL | 826M40

826M40 BLACK, WHITE, RED:

As Rolled or As
(2½% NICKEL, ¾% CHROME, ½% MOLY STEEL) Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 26 - BS 970:1955) BLACK, RED:
Rolled or Forged Black
Bar Heat Treated to
Chemical composition limits Customer Requirements
% C Si Mn S P Cr Ni Mo
Min 0.36 0.10 0.45 - - 0.50 2.30 0.45
Max 0.44 0.35 0.70 0.04 0.035 0.80 2.80 0.65

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation Impact strength
Condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (J)
Annealed - 277 max - - - - -
Spheroidize annealed - 255 max - - - - -
U 250 269 - 331 925 - 1075 740 min 725 min 12 min 28 min
U 150 269 - 331 925 - 1075 755 min 740 min 12 min 42 min
V 250 293 - 352 1000 - 1150 835 min 820 min 12 min 28 min
V 150 293 - 352 1000 - 1150 850 min 835 min 12 min 42 min
W 250 311 - 375 1075 - 1225 925 min 910 min 11 min 22 min
W 150 311 375 1075 - 1225 940 min 925 min 11 min 35 min
X 150 341 - 401 1150 - 1300 1020 min 1005 min 10 min 28 min
Y 150 363 - 429 1225 - 1375 1295 min 1080 min 10 min 28 min
Z* 100 444 min 1550 min 1235 min 1125 min 7 min 11 min
*Sulphur & phosphorous content shall not exceed 0.025% for material in condition Z unless agreed to otherwise

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 820°C and 850°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally not exceeding 660°C and avoiding temperatures between 280°C and 500°C if possible
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 321HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 126.5 125 123.5 96.238 183 180 180 199.746
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 206 203 203 254.053
104.5 103 98.5 65.404 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 254 250 250 385.313
116.5 115 113.5 81.532 173 170 170 178.169

Typical uses
Axles, cranksafts, differential shafts, connecting rods, push rods, gears, high tensile bolts and studs, heavy duty connecting rods, automobile
main shafts, gun barrels and breech mechanisms, mandrels for tube manufacture , pinion sleeves, machine tool parts such as spindle gears,
power transmission slide gears and cams, etc. Also winder parts in mining equipment, brake pins, tie rods and tie rod ends, turn buckles
- generally supplied in the heat treated cndition to BS 2772:Part 2 for 826M31.

SPECIAL STEELS
11
 ALLOY STEEL | 835M30

835M30 PINK:
(4% NICKEL, 1¼ CHROME, ¼% MOLY STEEL) As Roll or As
Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 30 B - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P Cr Ni Mo
Min 0.26 0.10 0.45 - - 1.10 3.90 0.20
Max 0.34 0.35 0.70 0.025 0.025 1.40 4.30 0.35

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation Impact strength
Heat treated condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (J)
Annealed - 277 max - - - - -
Spheroidize annealed - 255 max - - - - -
Z 150 444 min 1550 min 1235 min 1125 min 7 min 16 min

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat between 810°C and 840°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally between 200°C and 280°C
• Where material is above the LRS for a specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• As-rolled or as-forged - hardness generally should not exceed 277HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Normalized - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
35.45 35 34.55 7.552
40.6 40 39.4 9.864
45.6 45 44.4 12.484
50.6 50 49.4 15.413
55.8 55 54.2 18.649
60.8 60 59.2 22.194
101.5 100 98.5 61.650
116.5 115 113.5 81.532
131.5 130 128.5 104.189
151.5 150 148.5 138.713
173 170 170 178.169
223 220 220 298.386

Typical uses
Heavy duty gears, differential shafts, aero engine connecting rods, transmission components, gudgeon pins, heavy duty rollers bearing,
breech mechanisms and components for small arms, plastic die casting parts, header dies and rings, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
12
 ALLOY STEEL | 655M13

655M13 BLUE:
(3½% NICKEL, 1% CHROME STEEL) As Rolled or As
Forged Black Bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part 1:1983
(Formally known as EN 36 B - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P Cr Ni Mo
Min 0.10 0.10 0.35 - - 0.70 3.00 -
Max 0.16 0.35 0.60 0.035 0.035 1.00 3.75 0.10
*Sulphur & phosphorous content shall not exceed 0.25% for material in condition Z unless agreed otherwise.

Mechanical properties
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Elongation Impact
Heat treated condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (%) (J)
Normalized & Tempered - 223 max - - -
Spheroidize Annealed - 255 max - - -
Hardened 19 - 1000 min 9 min 35 min

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 800°C and 820°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally depends on final case hardness requirements
• Where material is above the LRS for specific heat treatment condition, only the surface hardness will be guaranteed and mechanical
properties will be for information only

Condition of delivery
• Generally annealed - hardness generally should not exceed 255HB, mechanical properties not guaranteed
• Heat treated - to BS970:Part 1:1983 requirements or customer requirement as agreed between parties
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not exceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed
- 2% of nominal diameter for rolled bar
- 4% of nominal diamete for forged bar from 90mm up to 220mm diameter
- 6% of nominal diameter for forged bar over 220mm up to 450mm diameter

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
25.3 25 24.7 3.853 101.5 100 98.5 61.650 234 230 230 326.129
30.45 30 29.55 5.549 106.5 105 103.5 67.969 244 240 240 355.104
35.45 35 34.55 7.552 111.5 110 108.5 74.597 254 250 250 385.313
40.6 40 39.4 9.864 116.5 115 113.5 81.532 265 260 260 416.754
45.6 45 44.4 12.484 121.5 120 118.5 88.776 275 270 270 449.429
50.6 50 49.4 15.413 131.5 130 128.5 104.189 285 280 280 483.336
55.8 55 54.2 18.649 141.5 140 138.5 120.834 311 305 305 573.499
60.8 60 59.2 22.194 151.5 150 148.5 138.713 326 320 320 631.296
66.2 65 63.8 26.047 161.5 160 158.5 157.824 336 330 330 671.369
71.2 70 68.8 30.209 173 170 170 178.169 356 350 350 755.213
76.2 75 68.8 34.678 183 180 180 199.746 367 360 360 798.984
81.57 80 78.43 39.456 193 190 190 222.557 387 380 380 890.226
86.57 85 83.43 44.542 206 203 203 254.053 412 405 405 1011.214
91.5 90 88.5 49.935 213 210 210 271.877
96.5 95 93.5 55.639 223 220 220 298.386

Typical uses
Heavy duty gears for aircraft, automotive and heavy vehicle transmission components, engineering machinery, gearbox parts, steering
worms, track pins, rimming wheels, gudgeon pins, chuck jaws and screws, breech mechanisms and components for small arms, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
13
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | LIMITING RULING SECTION (LRS) | HEAT TREATMENT CONDITIONS

Limiting Ruling Section (LRS)

Heat treated U.T.S. Hardness Limiting ruling section size range (mm)
condition (MPa) (Brinell) 13 ≤ 19 > 19 ≤ 29 > 29 ≤ 63 > 63 ≤ 100 > 100 ≤ 150 > 150 ≤ 250
P 550 - 700 152 - 207 150M19
Q 625 - 775 179 - 229 150M19
080M40
R 700 - 850 201 - 255 080M40 150M19 070M55 709M40
S 775 - 925 223 - 277 070M55 709M40 709M40
T 850 - 1000 248 - 302 070M55 709M40 817M40 817M40
U 925 - 1075 269 - 331 709M40 817M40 826M40 826M40
V 1000 - 1150 293 - 352 709M40 817M40 826M40 826M40
W 1075 - 1225 311 - 375 709M40 817M40 826M40 826M40
X 1150 - 1300 341 - 401 817M40 826M40
Y 1225 - 1375 368 - 429 817M40 826M40
Z 1550 min 444 min 817M40 826M40 835M30

Heat Treatment Conditions

Heat treated Approximate Approximate
U.T.S. Hardness
condition U.T.S. hardness
As per BS 970: Part 1:1983 (MPa or N.mm2) (Tonnes/in2) (Brinell) (Rockwell C)
P 550 - 700 35 - 45 152 - 207 83 - 96*
Q 625 - 775 40 - 50 179 - 229 88 - 99*
R 700 - 850 45 - 55 201 - 255 95* - 24 HRC
S 775 - 925 50 - 60 223 - 277 98* - 27 HRC
T 850 - 1000 55 - 65 248 - 302 23 - 30
U 925 - 1075 60 - 70 269 - 331 27 - 34
V 1000 - 1150 65 - 75 293 - 352 29 - 36
W 1075 - 1225 70 - 80 311 - 375 31 - 39
X 1150 - 1300 75 - 85 341 - 401 35 - 41
Y 1225 - 1375 80 - 90 368 - 429 38 - 45
Z 1550 min 100 min 444 min 47 min
*Hardness is Rockwell B (hardness too low to measure in Rockwell C).

SPECIAL STEELS
14
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | COLOUR CHART

Colour Chart
CARBON STEEL ALLOY STEEL

070M20 Black Bar (EN3A) 709M40 (EN19)

0.20% carbon steel 1% chrome, ¼% moly steel

BS 970: Part 1:1983 BS 970: Part 1:1983
As rolled or as forged black bar As rolled/forged or heat treated

080M40 Black Bar (EN8) 817M40 (EN24)

0.40% carbon steel 1½% nickel, 1¼% chrome, ¼% moly steel

BS 970:Part 1:1983 BS 970: Part 1:1983
As rolled or as forged black bar As rolled/forged or heat treated

070M55 Black Bar (EN9) 826M40 (EN26)

0.55% carbon steel 2½% nickel, ¾% chrome, ½% moly steel

BS 970:Part 1:1983 BS 970: Part 1:1993
As rolled or as forged black bar As rolled/forged or heat treated

150M19 BLACK BAR (EN14) 835M30 (EN30B)

BS 2772:Part 2:1989 4% nickel, 1¼% chrome, ¼ Moly steel

As rolled or as forged black bar/ BS 970: Part 1:1993
normalized black bar/heat treated black bar Annealed black bar

HOLLOW BAR 655M13 (EN36B)

3½% nickel, 1% chrome steel

ST25.0 BS 970: Part 1:1983
As rolled or as forged black bar
Low carbon steel, Material no. 1.0421
DIN 1629:1984

BRIGHT BAR

SAE 1018 Bright Bar 230M07 Bright Bar (EN1A)

Low carbon, bright mild steel Low carbon, sulphur free - cutting steel
SAE J 403 BS 970: Part 1:1983
Cold drawn or peeled bright bar Cold drawn or peeled bright bar

080A42 Bright Bar (EN8) SAE 12L14 Bright Bar

0.40% carbon steel Low carbon, leaded free - cutting steel

BS 970: Part 1:1983 SAE J 403
Cold drawn or peeled bright bar Cold drawn bright bar

SPECIAL STEELS
15
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | THEORETICAL MASS CALCULATIONS

Theoretical Mass Calculations (kg/m)

Round Bar Flat Bar
D x D x 0.006165 = kg/m w x T x 0.00786 = kg/m

Where: Where:
d = diameter (mm) w = width (mm)
T = thickness (mm)

Square Bar Hexagonal bar

t x t x 0.00786 = kg/m T x T x 0.0068 = kg/m

Where: Where:
t = thickness (mm) T = thickness across flats (mm)

Hollow Bar Octagonal bar

(OD -wt) x wt x 0.02466=kg/m T x T x 0.00651 = kg/m

Where: Where:
OD = outside diameter (mm) T = thickness across flats (mm)
wt = wall thickness (mm)

Note: Theoretically calculated weight may differ slightly from actual weighed mass.

SPECIAL STEELS
16
 HOLLOW BAR

Hollow Bar

SPECIAL STEELS
17
 HOLLOW BAR | St 52.0

St 52.0 ORANGE:
HOLLOW BAR As hot formed hollow
black bar
(LOW CARBON STEEL - MATERIAL NUMBER 1.0421)
SPECIFICATION - DIN 1629:1984
Chemical composition limits
% C Si Mn S P Al(1) N(2)
Min - - - - - 0.020 -
Max 0.22 0.55 1.60 0.035 0.040 - 0.012
1. Additional elements such as aluminium for fixing of nitrogen can be used (e.g. Altotal not less than 0.02%)
2. A content in excess of the maximum value stated is permitted if a phosphorous content less than the maximum specified by 0.005% per 0.001% nitrogen is observed.
However, the nitrogen content shall not exceed a value of 0.012% in the cast analysis and 0.014% in the product analysis
3. Permitted variation in product analysis from cast analysis: C + 0.02%, S + 0.01%, P + 0.01% and N as per (2) above

Mechanical properties
WT Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. Elongation
Condition
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
≤ 16 - 500 - 650 355 min 21 min
As hot formed ≥ 16 ≤ 40 - 500 - 650 345 min 21 min
≥ 40 ≤ 65 - 500 - 650 335 min 21 min

Condition of delivery
• As rolled or as hot formed - hardness generally does not exceed 240/260 HB but not guaranteed
• Straightness shall not exceed 5mm over any 1000mm unless special straightness is required - not xceeding 2mm over any 1000mm
• Sufficient material must be provided for to ensure all surface related defects are removed

Size range in round hollow bar offered

See table on page 19.

Typical uses
• General machine parts, hydraulic cylinders, flanges, couplings, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
18
 HOLLOW BAR | HB SIZE AND WEIGHT CHART

HB Size and Weight Chart

Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Wall Thickness ± Weight
Tolerances
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
max nom min max nom min max nom min +% -% -%
32.5 32 31.5 18.1 16 13.1 9.7 8 6.7 15 -10 4.971
36.5 36 35.5 18.5 16 12.5 12.0 10 8.5 15 -10 6.732
36.5 36 35.5 26.6 25 22.9 6.8 5.5 4.5 15 -10 4.530
0.5 40 39.5 22.5 20 16.5 12.0 10 8.5 15 -10 7.800
10.5 40 39.5 27.0 25 22.3 9.1 7.5 6.3 15 -10 6.400
45.5 45 44.5 30.2 28 25.0 10.3 8.5 7.2 15 -10 8.033
45.5 45 44.5 33.8 32 29.6 8.0 6.5 5.4 15 -10 6.900
50.5 50 49.5 28.0 25 21.4 14.6 12.5 10.8 12.5 -10 12.846
50.5 50 49.5 34.3 32 28.8 10.9 9 7.6 15 -10 9.600
50.5 50 49.5 37.9 36 33.4 8.6 7 5.8 15 -10 8.000
56.5 56 55.5 31.3 28 24.0 16.3 14 12.1 12.5 -10 15.200
56.5 56 55.5 38.5 36 32.5 12.0 10 8.5 15 -10 12.310
56.5 56 55.5 42.1 40 37.1 9.7 8 6.7 15 -10 9.943
63.5 63 62.5 35.6 32 27.6 17.9 15.5 13.5 12.5 -10 19.064
63.5 63 62.5 42.8 40 36.6 13.4 11.5 9.9 12.5 -10 15.500
63.5 63 62.5 47.3 45 41.8 10.9 9 7.6 15 -10 13.000
63.5 63 62.5 49.1 47 44.1 9.7 8 6.7 15 -10 10.851
73.5 73 72.5 40.2 36 30.0 21.8 18.5 16.2 15 -10 26.107
73.5 73 72.5 48.3 45 41.0 16.3 14 12.1 12.5 -10 21.387
73.5 73 72.5 58.2 56 53.4 10.1 8.5 7.2 12.5 -10 14.195
75.5 75 74.5 44.0 40 35.1 20.2 17.5 15.3 12.5 -10 27.350
75.5 75 74.5 48.5 45 40.8 17.4 15 13.0 12.5 -10 23.800
75.5 75 74.5 53.0 50 46.4 14.6 12.5 10.8 12.5 -10 19.266
75.5 75 74.5 62.0 60 57.3 9.1 7.5 6.3 15 -10 13.108
80.5 80 79.5 44.5 40 34.5 23.0 20 17.5 12.5 -10 30.000
80.5 80 79.5 49.0 45 40.1 20.2 17.5 15.3 12.5 -10 28.000
80.5 80 79.5 53.5 50 45.8 17.4 15 13.0 12.5 -10 25.000
80.5 80 79.5 65.2 63 60.0 10.3 8.5 7.2 15 -10 15.736
89.5 89 88.5 49.9 45 39.0 25.3 22 19.3 12.5 -10 38.166
89.5 89 88.5 58.9 55 50.3 19.6 17 14.8 12.5 -10 31.693
89.5 89 88.5 62.5 59 54.8 17.4 15 13.0 12.5 -10 28.741
89.5 89 88.5 69.7 67 63.8 12.9 11 9.4 12.5 -10 22.216
90.5 90 89.5 54.5 50 44.5 23.0 20 17.5 12.5 -10 39.800
95.5 95 94.5 50.9 50 49.1 23.2 22.5 21.8 0.9 -0.9 42.400
95.5 95 94.5 66.7 63 58.5 18.5 16 13.9 12.5 -10 32.080
95.5 95 94.5 70.3 67 63.0 16.3 14 12.1 12.5 -10 28.800
95.5 95 94.5 77.5 75 71.5 12.0 10 8.5 15 -10 23.000
100.5 100 99.5 60.9 56 50.0 25.3 22 19.3 12.5 -10 44.432
102.5 102 101.5 74.6 71 66.6 17.9 15.5 13.5 12.5 -10 34.716
102.5 102 101.5 82.7 80 76.2 13.2 11 9.4 15 -10 25.919
107.1 106 104.9 57.5 56 54.5 26.3 25 23.7 0.9 -0.9 52.300
107.1 106 104.9 68.4 63 56.6 25.2 21.5 18.3 12.5 -10 47.100
107.1 106 104.9 75.6 71 65.6 20.7 17.5 14.7 12.5 -10 40.600
109.1 108 106.9 83.9 80 75.4 16.8 14 11.5 12.5 -10 34.075
109.1 108 106.9 91.1 88 83.9 12.6 10 7.9 15 -10 25.375
113.1 112 110.9 64.6 63 61.4 25.8 24.5 23.2 0.9 -0.9 55.500
113.1 112 110.9 84.3 80 74.9 19.1 16 13.3 12.5 -10 40.500
113.1 112 110.9 93.3 90 86.1 13.5 11 8.8 12.5 -10 30.000
115.1 114 112.9 78.2 73 66.7 24.2 20.5 17.3 12.5 -10 49.630
119.2 118 116.8 64.7 63 61.3 28.9 27.5 26.1 0.9 -0.9 64.100
119.2 118 116.8 72.6 71 69.4 24.9 23.5 22.1 0.9 -0.9 57.500
119.2 118 116.8 85.0 80 74.1 22.6 19 15.9 12.5 -10 49.500
119.2 118 116.8 94.0 90 85.3 16.9 14 11.4 12.5 -10 38.800

SPECIAL STEELS
19
 HOLLOW BAR | HB SIZE AND WEIGHT CHART

Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Wall Thickness ± Weight

Tolerances
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
max nom min max nom min max nom min +% -% -%
126.3 125 123.8 72.7 71 69.3 28.5 27 25.5 0.9 -0.9 68.513
126.3 125 123.8 81.7 80 78.3 24.0 22.5 21.0 0.9 -0.9 56.870
126.3 125 123.8 95.7 91 85.5 20.4 17 14.1 12.5 -10 47.550
126.3 125 123.8 103.8 100 95.6 15.3 12.5 10.0 12.5 -10 37.900
133.3 132 130.7 78.4 71 63.6 34.9 30.5 26.1 10 -10 79.100
133.3 132 130.7 95.5 90 84.5 24.4 21 17.6 10 -10 60.500
133.3 132 130.7 102.7 98 93.3 20.0 17 14.0 10 -10 51.200
133.3 132 130.7 110.6 106 101.4 15.9 13 10.1 12.5 -13 41.000
141.4 140 138.6 87.4 80 72.6 34.4 30 25.6 10 -10 85.600
141.4 140 138.6 96.4 90 83.6 28.9 25 21.1 10 -10 75.400
141.4 140 138.6 105.4 100 94.6 23.4 20 16.6 10 -10 62.143
141.4 140 138.6 116.9 112 107.1 17.2 14 10.9 12.5 -13 48.000
151.5 150 148.5 88.5 80 71.5 40.0 35 30.0 10 -10 103.500
151.5 150 148.5 97.5 90 82.5 34.5 30 25.5 10 -10 94.100
151.5 150 148.5 111.9 106 100.1 25.7 22 18.3 10 -10 74.400
151.5 150 148.5 123.5 118 112.5 19.5 16 12.5 12.5 -13 57.600
151.5 150 148.5 129.6 125 120.4 15.6 12.5 9.4 12.5 -13 44.504
161.6 160 158.4 98.6 90 81.4 40.1 35 29.9 10 -10 113.280
161.6 160 158.4 107.6 100 92.4 34.6 30 25.4 10 -10 101.400
161.6 160 158.4 118.4 112 105.6 28.0 24 20.0 10 -10 86.100
161.6 160 158.4 137.1 132 126.9 17.4 14 10.7 12.5 -13 56.000
171.7 170 168.3 108.7 100 91.3 40.2 35 29.8 10 -10 121.500
171.7 170 168.3 124.9 118 111.1 30.3 26 21.7 10 -10 97.600
171.7 170 168.3 145.5 140 134.6 18.6 15 11.4 12.5 -13 61.698
181.8 180 178.2 109.8 100 90.2 45.8 40 34.2 10 -10 146.380
181.8 180 178.2 120.6 112 103.4 39.2 34 28.8 10 -10 128.700
181.8 180 178.2 132.3 125 117.7 32.1 27.5 23.0 10 -10 110.100
181.8 180 178.2 145.8 140 134.2 23.8 20 16.2 10 -10 82.858
181.8 180 178.2 155.6 150 144.5 18.7 15 11.3 12.5 -13 65.370
191.9 190 188.1 116.3 106 95.7 48.1 42 35.9 10 -10 158.400
191.9 190 188.1 127.1 118 108.9 41.5 36 30.5 10 -10 140.740
191.9 190 188.1 139.7 132 124.3 33.8 29 24.2 10 -10 121.000
191.9 190 188.1 146.9 140 133.1 29.4 25 20.6 10 -10 107.000
191.9 190 188.1 156.9 150 143.1 24.4 20 15.6 12.5 -13 88.036
191.9 190 188.1 165.7 160 154.4 18.8 15 11.2 12.5 -13 69.308
202.0 200 198.0 122.8 112 101.2 50.4 44 37.6 10 -10 178.500
202.0 200 198.0 148.0 140 132.0 35.0 30 25.0 10 -10 133.460
202.0 200 198.0 167.0 160 153.0 24.5 20 15.5 12.5 -13 99.200
214.1 212 209.9 135.8 125 144.2 50.0 43.5 37.0 10 -10 193.100
214.1 212 209.9 158.3 150 141.7 36.2 31 25.8 10 -10 146.260
214.1 212 209.9 167.3 160 152.7 30.7 26 21.3 10 -10 128.300
214.1 212 209.9 177.4 170 162.6 25.7 21 16.3 12.5 -13 106.630
226.2 224 221.8 143.4 132 120.6 52.8 46 39.2 10 -10 214.030
226.2 224 221.8 168.6 160 151.4 37.4 32 26.6 10 -10 159.090
226.2 224 221.8 187.7 180 172.3 27.0 22 17.0 12.5 -13 115.060
238.4 236 233.6 152.0 140 128.0 55.2 48 40.8 10 -10 238.000
238.4 236 233.6 179.0 170 161.0 38.7 33 27.3 10 -10 173.450
238.4 236 233.6 198.1 190 181.9 28.2 23 17.8 12.5 -13 132.200
252.5 250 247.5 162.5 150 137.5 57.5 50 42.5 10 -10 258.930
252.5 250 247.5 189.5 180 170.5 41.0 35 29.0 10 -10 194.840
252.5 250 247.5 208.8 200 191.3 30.6 25 19.4 12.5 -13 145.640
269.7 267 264.3 161.7 147 132.3 68.7 60 52.3 10 -10 321.590
269.7 267 264.3 179.7 167 154.3 57.7 50 42.3 10 -10 280.940

SPECIAL STEELS
20
 HOLLOW BAR | HB SIZE AND WEIGHT CHART

Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Wall Thickness ± Weight

Tolerances
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
max nom min max nom min max nom min +% -% -%
269.7 267 264.3 197.7 187 176.3 46.7 40 33.3 10 -10 235.100
269.7 267 264.3 213.0 204 195.0 37.3 31.5 25.7 10 -10 192.080
275.7 273 270.3 185.7 173 160.3 57.7 50 42.3 10 -10 288.700
275.7 273 270.3 210.9 201 191.1 42.3 36 29.7 10 -10 216.200
275.7 273 270.3 226.7 217 207.3 34.2 28 21.8 12.5 -13 178.350
275.7 273 270.3 232.0 223 214.0 30.9 25 19.1 12.5 -13 160.540
301.0 298 295.0 211.0 198 185.0 58.0 50 42.0 10 -10 321.070
301.0 298 295.0 220.0 208 196.0 52.5 45 37.5 10 -10 294.700
301.0 298 295.0 229.0 218 207.0 47.0 40 33.0 10 -10 267.220
301.0 298 295.0 238.0 228 218.0 41.5 35 28.5 10 -10 241.070
301.0 298 295.0 248.5 238 227.5 36.7 30 23.3 12.5 -13 204.000
301.0 298 295.0 252.0 242 232.0 34.5 28 21.5 12.5 -13 195.460
327.2 324 320.8 237.2 224 208.3 59.5 50 41.8 12.5 -10 346.000
327.2 324 320.8 269.6 260 248.8 39.2 32 25.6 12.5 -10 241.950
327.2 324 320.8 283.5 274 263.3 32.0 25 18.6 15.0 -12.5 193.550
358.6 355 351.5 268.6 255 239.0 59.8 50 41.5 12.5 -10 385.400
358.6 355 351.5 277.6 265 250.2 54.2 45 37.0 12.5 -10 351.500
358.6 355 351.5 286.6 275 261.5 48.6 40 32.5 12.5 -10 326.250
358.6 355 351.5 301.0 291 279.5 39.6 32 25.3 12.5 -10 270.000
410.1 406 401.9 320.1 306 289.4 60.3 50 40.9 12.5 -10 469.350
410.1 406 401.9 338.1 326 311.9 49.1 40 31.9 12.5 -10 370.000
410.1 406 401.9 347.1 334 319.1 45.5 36 27.4 15.0 -12.5 328.470
430.3 426 421.7 340.3 326 309.2 60.5 50 40.7 12.5 -10 486.790
487.8 483 478.2 420.5 406 389.6 49.1 38.5 28.9 15.0 -12.5 448.900

SPECIAL STEELS
21
 BRIGHT BAR

Bright Bar

SPECIAL STEELS
22
 BRIGHT BAR | SAE 1018

SAE 1018 RED:

(LOW CARBON, BRIGHT MILD STEEL) Cold drawn or
peeled bright bar
SPECIFICATION - SAE J 403
(Also suitable for 080A15 bright mild steel)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min 0.15 0.15 0.60 - -
Max 0.20 0.35 0.90 0.050 0.040

Expected mechanical properties*

Drawn 1018/070M20 6 - 76.2mm
LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
- 160 - 180 560 - 620 440 - 520 - 15 - 22

Peeled 1018/070M20 80 – 160mm

LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
- 120 - 160 430 300 - 35
*Expected Mechanical Properties to be used as a guide only

Heat treatment
• This steel normally not heat treated

Condition of delivery
• Cold drawn, drawn & ground or peeled, depending on customer requirement
• Straightness shall not exceed 1mm over any 1 000mm
• Length tolerance is -0mm, + 100mm

Size ranges offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
6 6 5.95 0.222 27.5 27.5 27.45 4.663 75 75 74.88 34.678
8 8 7.95 0.395 28 28 27.95 4.833 80 80* 79.88 39.456
10 10 9.95 0.617 30 30 29.95 5.549 85 85* 84.86 44.542
12 12 11.95 0.888 32 32 31.95 6.313 90 90* 89.86 49.937
14 14 13.95 1.208 33.1 33.1 33.05 6.755 95 95* 94.86 55.642
14.5 14.5 14.45 1.296 35 35 34.95 7.552 100 100* 99.86 61.65
15 15 14.95 1.387 36 36 35.95 7.99 105 105* 104.86 66.972
16 16 15.95 1.578 38 38 37.95 8.902 110 110* 109.86 74.597
18 18 17.95 1.997 40 40 39.95 9.864 115 115* 114.86 81.536
18.2 18.2 18.15 2.042 42 42 41.95 10.875 120 120* 119.86 88.776
19 19 18.95 2.226 45 45 44.95 12.484 125 125* 124.86 96.333
20 20 19.95 2.466 48 48 47.95 12.204 130 130* 129.8 104.189
21.8 21.8 21.75 2.822 50 50 49.95 15.413 140 140* 139.8 120.84
22 22 21.95 2.984 55 55 54.88 18.649 150 150* 149.8 138.713
24 24 23.95 3.551 60 60 59.88 22.194 160 160* 159.8 157.832
25 25 24.95 3.853 65 65 64.88 26.047
25.4 25.4 25.35 3.977 70 70 69.88 30.209
*80mm nominal diameter and larger are in turned/peeled bar

Typical uses
Shafts, bolts, studs, couplings & machinery components where low tensile strength material is required, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
23
 BRIGHT BAR | 080A42

080A42 YELLOW:
(0.40%CARBON STEEL) Cold drawn or
peeled bright bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part1:1983
(Formally known as EN 8 D - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min 0.40 0.10 0.70 - -
Max 0.45 0.40 0.90 0.050 0.050

Expected mechanical properties*

Drawn 080A42/EN8D 6 - 76.2mm

LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation

(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
- 230 - 250 730 - 740 680 - 720 - 10

Peeled 080A42/EN8D 80 – 160mm

LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation
(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
- 201 620 415 - 14
*Expected Mechanical Properties to be used as a guide only

Heat treatment
• Hardening - re-heat (austenizing) between 830°C and 860°C followed by quenching in oil
• Tempering - generally between 550°C and 560°C depending on final hardness requirements

Condition of delivery
• Cold drawn, drawn & ground or peeled depending, on requirement
• Straightness shall not exceed 1mm over any 1 000mm
• Length tolerance is -0mm, + 100mm

Size ranges for round bar offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
6 6 5.925 0.222 27.5 27.5 27.425 4.663 75 75 74.88 34.678
8 8 7.925 0.395 28 28 27.925 4.833 80 80 * 79.88 39.456
9 9 8.925 0.499 30 30 29.925 5.549 85 85 * 84.86 44.542
10 10 9.925 0.617 32 32 31.925 6.313 90 90 * 89.86 49.937
11 11 10.925 0.746 33.1 33.1 33.025 6.755 95 95 * 94.86 55.642
12 12 11.925 0.888 35 35 34.925 7.552 100 100 * 99.86 61.650
14 14 13.925 1.208 36 36 35.925 7.990 105 105 * 104.86 66.972
14.5 14.5 14.425 1.296 38 38 37.925 8.902 110 110 * 109.86 74.597
15 15 14.925 1.387 40 40 39.925 9.864 115 115 * 114.86 81.536
16 16 15.925 1.578 42 42 41.925 10.875 120 120 * 119.86 88.776
18 18 17.925 1.997 45 45 44.925 12.484 125 125 * 124.86 96.333
18.2 18.2 18.125 2.042 48 48 49.925 15.413 130 130 * 129.84 104.189
19 19 18.925 2.226 50 50 47.925 12.204 140 140 * 139.84 120.840
20 20 19.925 2.466 50.8 50.8 50.68 15.910 150 150 * 149.84 138.713
21.8 21.8 21.725 2.822 55 55 54.88 18.649 160 160 * 159.84 157.832
22 22 21.925 2.984 60 60 59.88 22.194
24 24 23.925 3.551 65 65 64.88 26.047
25 25 24.925 3.853 70 70 69.88 30.209
*≥ 80mm in peeled bar only. All sizes below 80mm in drawn bar

SPECIAL STEELS
24
 BRIGHT BAR | 080A42

Size range for hexagon bar offered

Max Nominal size Min Calculated
across flats weight
(mm) (mm) (kg/m)
10 10 9.91 0.680
13 13 12.91 1.149
17 17 16.91 1.965
19 19 18.89 2.455
22 22 21.89 3.291
24 24 23.89 3.917
25 25 24.89 4.250
27 27 26.89 4.957
30 30 29.89 6.120
32 32 31.87 6.963
36 36 35.87 8.813
38 38 37.87 9.819
41 41 40.87 11.431
46 46 45.87 14.389
50 50 49.87 17.000
55 55 54.84 20.570

Typical uses
Dynamo and motor shafts, heat treated bolts and studs, crankshafts, connecting rods, driving rings and flanges, railway
couplings, axles, brackets, housings and parts not subject to high stresses or severe wear, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
25
 BRIGHT BAR | 230M07

230M07 BLUE:
(LOW CARBON RE-SULPHURIZED FREE-CUTTING STEEL) Cold drawn or
peeled bright bar
SPECIFICATION - BS 970:Part1:1983
(Formally known as EN 1 A - BS 970:1955)

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P
Min - 0.10 0.90 0.25 -
Max 0.15 0.40 1.30 0.35 0.070

Expected mechanical properties*

Drawn 230M07/EN1A 6 – 50mm

LRS Hardness U.T.S. Y.S. 0.2% P.S. Elongation

(mm) (BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (%)
- 126 - 180 460 - 550 360 - 440 - 8 - 15
*Expected Mechanical Properties to be used as a guide only

Heat treatment
• Generally this steel grade is not heat treated

Condition of delivery
• Cold drawn, drawn & ground or peeled depending on requirement
• Straightness shall not exceed 1mm over any 1 000mm
• Length tolerance is -0mm, + 100m

Size ranges for round bar offered

Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
6 6 5.95 0.222 22 22 21.95 2.984
8 8 7.95 0.395 25 25 24.95 3.853
10 10 9.95 0.617 28 28 27.95 4.833
12 12 11.95 0.888 30 30 29.95 5.549
14 14 13.95 1.208 32 32 31.95 6.313
15 15 14.95 1.387 35 35 34.95 7.552
16 16 15.95 1.578 40 40 39.95 9.864
18 18 17.95 1.997 45 45 44.95 12.484
19 19 18.95 2.226 50 50 49.95 15.413
20 20 19.95 2.466

Typical uses
For high speed production and/or repitition work where the major requirements are rapid machining and maximum tool life. Cutting speeds
on this grade are considerably higher than those of mild steels together with a far more superior surface finish.

Bushes, pins, shafts, bolts, nuts, studs, couplings and machinery components where low tensile strength material is required, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
26
 BRIGHT BAR | SAE 12L14

SAE 12L14 MAGENTA:

Cold drawn
(LOW CARBON LEAD FREE - CUTTING STEEL) bright bar
SPECIFICATION - SAE J403

Chemical composition limits

% C Si Mn S P PB
Min - - 0.85 0.26 0.040 0.15
Max 0.15 0.10 1.15 0.35 0.090 0.35

Heat treatment
• Generally this steel grade is not heat treated

Condition of delivery
• Cold drawn condition only
• Straightness shall not exceed 1mm over any 1 000mm
• Length tolerance is -0mm, + 100mm

Size range for round bar offered Size range for hexagonal bar offered
Max Nominal Min Calculated Max Nominal Min Calculated
diameter weight diameter weight
(mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m) (mm) (mm) (mm) (kg/m)
8 8 7.95 0.395 13 13 12.91 1.149
10 10 9.95 0.617 17 17 16.91 1.965
12 12 11.95 0.888 19 19 18.89 2.455
13 13 12.95 1.042 22 22 21.89 3.291
16 16 15.95 1.578 24 24 23.89 3.917
18 18 17.95 1.997 25 25 24.89 4.250
20 20 19.95 2.466 27 27 26.89 4.957
22 22 21.95 2.984 30 30 29.89 6.120
25 25 24.95 3.853 32 32 31.87 6.963
28 28 27.95 4.833 36 36 35.87 8.813
30 30 29.95 5.549 38 38 37.87 9.819
32 32 31.95 6.313 41 41 40.87 11.431
46 46 45.87 14.389
50 50 49.87 17.000
55 55 54.87 20.570

Typical uses
For high speed production and/or repitition work where the major requirements are rapid machining and maximum tool life. Cutting speeds
on this grade are considerably higher than those of mild steels as well as the sulphur free cutting steel grades together with a far more
superior surface finish.

The lead addition however further impairs the mechanical properties and fabrication charateristics compared to the re-sulphurized free
cutting steel grades such as a forgeable, formability and weldability.

Bushes, pins, shafts, bolts, nuts, studs, couplings and machinery components where low tensile strength material is required, etc.

SPECIAL STEELS
27
 HARDNESS CONVERSIONS

Hardness Conversions
Conversion chart in accordance with ASTM A 370

Hardness Superficial hardness Approximate tensile

Rockwell C Brinell Rockwell A 15 N scale 30 N scale 45 N scale
Vickers MPa or N.mm² Tonnes/in²
150kg load 3000kg load 60kg load 15kg load 30kg load 45kg load
(Diamond cone indenter) (10mm diamond ball indenter) (Pyramid indenter) (Diamond cone indenter) (Diamond indenter) (Diamond indenter) (Diamond indenter)

68 - 940 85.6 93.2 84.4 75.4

67 - 900 85.0 92.9 83.6 74.2 - -
66 - 865 84.5 92.5 82.8 73.3 - -
65 739 832 83.9 92.2 81.9 72.0 - -
64 722 800 8.34 91.8 81.1 71.0 - -
63 706 772 82.8 91.4 80.1 69.9 - -
62 688 746 82.3 91.1 79.3 68.8 - -
61 670 720 81.8 90.7 78.4 67.7 - -
60 654 697 81.2 90.2 77.5 66.6 - -
59 634 674 80.7 89.9 76.6 65.5 2420 157
58 615 653 80.1 89.3 75.7 64.3 2330 151
57 595 633 79.6 88.9 74.8 63.2 2240 145
56 577 613 79.0 88.3 73.9 62.0 2160 140
55 560 595 78.5 87.9 73.0 60.9 2070 134
54 543 577 78.0 87.4 72.0 59.8 2010 130
53 525 560 77.4 86.9 71.2 58.6 1950 126
52 512 544 76.8 86.4 70.2 57.4 1880 122
51 496 528 76.3 85.9 69.4 56.1 1820 118
50 482 513 75.9 85.5 68.5 55.0 1760 114
49 468 498 75.2 85.0 67.6 53.8 1700 110
48 455 484 74.7 84.5 66.7 52.5 1640 106
47 442 471 74.1 83.9 65.8 51.4 1580 102
46 432 458 73.6 83.5 64.8 50.3 1520 98.5
45 421 446 73.1 83.0 64.0 49.0 1480 96
44 409 434 72.5 82.5 63.1 47.8 1430 -
43 400 423 72.0 82.0 62.2 46.7 1390 90
42 390 412 71.5 81.5 61.3 45.5 1340 87
41 381 402 70.9 80.9 60.4 44.3 1300 84
40 371 392 70.4 80.4 59.5 43.1 1250 81
39 362 382 69.9 79.9 58.6 41.9 1220 -
38 353 372 69.4 79.4 57.7 40.8 1180 76
37 344 363 68.9 78.8 56.8 39.6 1140 -
36 336 354 68.4 78.3 55.9 38.4 1110 72
35 327 345 67.9 77.7 55.0 37.2 1080 -
34 319 336 67.4 77.2 54.2 36.1 1050 68
33 311 327 66.8 76.6 53.3 35.9 1030 -
32 301 318 66.3 76.1 52.1 33.7 1010 65
31 294 310 65.8 75.6 51.3 32.5 970 -
30 286 302 85.3 75.0 50.4 31.3 950 61.6
29 279 294 64.8 74.5 49.5 30.1 930 -
28 271 286 64.3 73.9 48.6 28.9 900 58
27 264 279 63.8 73.3 47.7 27.8 880 -
26 258 272 63.3 72.8 46.8 26.7 860 55
25 253 266 62.8 72.2 45.9 25.5 850 -
24 247 260 62.4 71.6 45.0 24.3 820 53
23 243 254 62.0 71.0 44.0 23.1 810 -
22 237 248 61.5 70.5 43.2 22.0 790 51
21 231 243 61.0 69.9 42.3 20.7 770 -
20 226 238 60.5 69.4 41.5 19.6 760 49
Important note: The value in this table gives the interrelationship of hardness and approximate tensile strength of steels. It is possible that there may be deviations due to chemical composition
and processing histories. The values should be used for ferritic and martensitic steels only. This table should be used with caution.

SPECIAL STEELS
28
 HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS RANGE

Heat Treatment Process Range

Macsteel’s heat treatment plant is the largest, most diverse heat treatment plant in South Africa. The heat treatment plant is divided
into two departments, each specialising in a unique heat treatment process range. The heat treatment plant control instrumentation
is computer driven and is on par with similar systems anywhere in the world.

Batch processes
Annealing
Normalizing
Sub-critical annealing
Stess relieving
Harden and temper (both water and oil quench facilities)

Furnace and ancillary equipment used in the batch process

• 8 off gas fired top hat furnaces that can handle up to 7m length bar stock
• Water and oil quenching facilities
• 2 straightening presses to straighten from 40mm dia to 320mm dia
• 2 straightening reelers to straighten 16mm dia to 40mm dia
• 1 Pit furnace - electrically fired - neutral hardening and tempering
• Cryogenic freezing facilities

Continuous processes
Neutral hardening
Austemper process

Furnace and ancillary equipment used in the continuous process

• 2 off gas fired shaker hearth furnaces
• 1 off electrical shaker furnace
• Batch tempering furnace
• 1 austemper furnace

SPECIAL STEELS
29
 HEAT TREATMENT OF STEELS

Heat Treatment of Steels

The reasons for doing heat treatment
Heat treatment of steel or components is usually intended to accomplish any one of the following objectives:
• to obtain the desired properties within a given steel
• to remove stresses in steel/components set up by cold working or to remove stresses set up by non-uniform cooling of hot metal
objects
• to refine the grain structure (a course grain sie may result in premature cracking when the component is put into use)
• to decrease the hardness and increase ductility
• to increase the hardness so as to increase resistance to wear
• to increase the toughness (the ability of a material to absorb energy & deform platically before fracturing); that is to produce steel or a
component having both high tensile strength and good ductility
• to improce the machinability
• to improve the electrical & magnetic properties

SPECIAL STEELS
30
 HEAT TREATMENT PROCESSES

Heat Treatment Processes

Full annealing Hardening

The purpose of full annealing may be to refine the grain, induce The hardening process is done to increase mechanical properties
softness, improve electrical and/or magnetic properties and in to specific requirements. The process may be modified to supply
some cases to improve machinability. The process consists of a full through hardened component or a hard surface with a
controlled heating to a suitable temperature, above softer, tougher one.
transformation temperature (normally above 850°C) holding for
sufficient time and then controlled cooling within the furnace. Tempering

Sub-critical annealing, stress relieving: Tempering is done as a necessary add on heat treatment after
The purpose of this treatment is primarily used for the removing hardening. The process of tempering is to minimise the stresses
of residual stresses introduced as a result of extensive cold induced by the quenching process. Its purpose is two-fold, to
working or extensive machining. prevent cracking (high allow/tool steels) and to achieve desired
hardness levels.
Normalizing
Austempering
The purpose of normalizing is to supply harder and stronger steel
than full annealing. It may also be used to improve Austempering is applied to components requiring high hardness
machinability, modify, refine and homogonise the grain coupled with high impact resistance and greater ductility that
structure to improve the response in further hardening can be achieved with a quench and temper. The process is
operations. The process is similar to full annealing. The main achieved by hearing the components to above the
difference is that the components are cooled in still air. transformation temperature (normally 820°C to 880°C) and
quenching into a salt bath of about 220°C to 400°C.

SPECIAL STEELS
31
 HEAT TREATMENT FURNACES UTILISED

Heat Treatment Furnaces utilised

The heat treatment processes can be performed in one or more Shaker hearth furnaces (continuous line process)
furnace types. The selection of a furnace type is dependant on
the process required, the size of the component/length of steel These furnaces are specifically designed for neutral hardening
and the surface finish required. under protective atmosphere of small, high volume articles (e.g.
fasteners, nails, and springs).
Pit retort furnaces
Top hat furnaces
Processes normally carried out are neutral hardening. Annealing
and normalizing under protective atmosphere can also be done. As the name implies, these large box-type furnaces are placed on
The furnaes use protective atmospheres in the processes. a bed which has steel billets/bars or components laid out on
them. Heat treatement processes include stress relieveing,
Specialised heat treatment normalizing, annealing and quench & temper. These furnaces are
Austemper furnace (continuous line process) typically used in the heat treatment of small through to large
This is a continuous belt fed furnace used for hardening items such as forging, fabrications, bar stock whcih has been
(austempering) small components under a protective purchased in the untreated condition and castings. The
atmosphere. The components are moved along a belt through atmosphere is not controlled, so some oxidation does occur. This
the hot atmosphere controlled zone and dropped into a molten is not normally serious as further machining is done on these
salt bath. The components move through the salt bath on a components.
conveyer into a washer and drier resulting in a complete and
final product

SPECIAL STEELS
32
 METALLURGICAL SERVICES

Metallurgical Services
The Macsteel Metallurgical Services Division (MSD) has been set up as an aid to both the Special Steels division and the heat treatment
division. The MSD department also does work for outside customers.

The MSD laboratory performs the following services

Chemical analysis, tensile testing, impact testing, non-destructive testing, macro & microscopic evaluation, hardness tests (Brinell,
Rockwell and micro hardness testing), case depth evaluation, grain size & cleanliness evaluation, failure investigations and reports,
metallurgical advice, controls ISO Accreditation.

Spectrographic chemical analysis determination

The department has two instruments at its disposal, one ARL 3360 laboratory instrument capable of analyzing for C, Si, Mn, S, P, CR, Ni, Mo,
Cu, V, Al and Ti and one Spectrotest mobile instrument capable of analyzing for C, Si, Mn, S, P, CR, Ni, Mo, Cu, V, Al, Sn, As and B at virtually
any site where accessable.

Chemical analysis service include product identification, sorting, verification, etc. of components, stock in virtually any form.

Typical steel grades that can be analyzed either for identification and/or verification are:
Carbon steels including hollow bar: 070M20 (EN 30A), 080M40 (EN 8), 070M55 (EN 9), 150M19 (EN 14B), St 52, SAE 1020
Alloy steel: 709M40 (EN 19), 817M40 (EN 24), 826M40 (EN 26), 835M15 (EN 39B), 835M30 (EN 30B), K0006,
655M13 (EN 36)
Tool steel: D2 (1.2379), H13 (1.2344), S1 (1.2542), O1 (1.2510), L6 (1-2714), D6 (1-2436)
Stainless steel: SAE/AISI 304, SAE/AISI 316, SAE/AISI 420, SAE/AISI 430

Mechanical testing

Tensile testing with a 300kN SERVO Hydraulic universal machine on standard and sub size test pieces as well as many different components
with th aid of custom designed grips. Impact testing of ‘Charpy’ or ‘Izod’ specimens and can be done from room temperature (20°C) down
to -189°C. Brinell hardness measurements can be performed on virtually any component on site and off site. Rockwell, Vickers and
Micro-Vickers hardnesses can be done on suitably prepared components and samples where necessary.

Non-destructive testing

Ultrasonic testing of any product can be performed by qualified SNT-TC-1A Level 2 technician/s on request. Testing can be done to specific
customer requiremnts on site, prior to processing, after heat treatment, after processing and in special cases off site. Typical testing is done
on round and square bar after heat treatment, prior to machining and after rough machining (to the more stringent specification).
Specifications generally utilized is AAC 999/6, AQL level 1, 2 & 3, etc.

Failure investigations & metallurgical evaluations

A laboratory equipped with two optical light microscopes, micro-hardness tester, low power stereo mocroscope, Rockwell hardness tester,
sample preparation machines, etc. enables the metallurgical services department to provide a full metallurgical service not only to the
heat treatment and sales and marketing departments but also to customers and end-users in the steel and engineering industry.

Services provised are, among many others:

• Micro-hardness testing • Metallographic examination and evaluation of materials and products
• Case hardness determination • Metallurgical investigations and evaluations of failures
• Microstructure determination and evaluation • Material/steel grade classification, verification and validation
• Technical information and support

SPECIAL STEELS
33
 GLOSSARY OF METALLURGICAL TERMS

Glossary of Metallurgical Terms

A

Age hardening
Hardening by ageing, usually after rapid cooling in water (quenching or spraying).

Ageing (metal or alloy)

A change in properties (hardness and strength) that occurs slowly at room temperature or elevated temperatures.

Air hardening
Term describing steel containing enough carbon or alloying elements to harden fully during cooling in air or other gaseous mediums from a temperature. Above
the transformation range.

Alloy
A substance having metallic properties and being composed of two or more chemical elements of which at least one is an elemental metal.

Annealing
The heating to and holding at a suitable temperature and then cooling at a suitable rate, for such purposes as reducing hardness, improving mechinability,
facilitating cold working, producing a desired microstructure, or obtaining desired mechanical, physical or other properties. If the sole purpose is to reduce
stresses, the term is stress relieving.

Austempering
A heat treatment generally applied to steels and cast (ductile) irons by quenching into a medium from above the transformation temperature range that has
a heat extraction rate high enough to allow the formation of acicular ferrite and high carbon stabilized austenite (ausferrite) but low enough to prevent the
formation of martensite and high enough to prevent the formation of pearlite and holding the product at that temperature to allow complete transformation
to take place.

Austenite
A solid solution of one or more elements in face-centred-cubic iron. The solute is generally assumed to be carbon.

Bainite
A decomposition product of austenite consisting of an aggregate of ferrite and carbide. In general it forms at temperatures lower than those at where very
fine pearlite forms and higher that where martensite begins to form on cooling. Its appearance is feathery if formed at the upper part of the temperature
range and acicular, resembling matensite if formed in the lower part.

Bend test
A test for determining the relative ductility, soundness and toughness of metal that is to be formed (usually plate, wire, strip or sheet). The specimen is bent
over a specified diameter, through a specific angle.

Blowhole
A hole on a casting or a weld caused by gas entrapped during solidification.

Brinell hardness test

A test for determining the hardness of a material by forcing a hard steel or cabide ball of specified diameter into it under a specific load. The result is
expressed as the Brinell hardness number, which is the value obtained by dividing the applied load in kg by the surface area of the rsulting impression in
mm².

Burning
(1) permanenty damaging a metal or alloy by heating to cause either incipient melting or intergranular oxidation. (2) in grinding, getting the work hot enough
to cause discolouration or to change the microstructure by tempering or hardening.

Carbide
A compound of carbon with one or more metallic elements.

Carbonitriding
Introducing carbon and nitrogen (simultaneously) into a solid ferrous alloy by holding above the lower critical line (720°C) for a suitable perios of time to
allow for adequate diffusion of the carbon and nitrogen. The carbonitrided alloy is usually quenhc hardened.

Carbon steel
Steel containing up to 2% carbon and only residual quantities of other elements, except those added for deoxidation, with silicon usually limited to 0.60%
and manganese to about 1.65%.

SPECIAL STEELS
34
 GLOSSARY OF METALLURGICAL TERMS

Carburizing
Introduction of carbon into a solid ferrous alloy by holding above 720°C in a carbon rich atmosphere for a time period long enough for adequate carbon
penetration. The carburised component is normally quench hardened.

Case hardening
Hardening a ferrous alloy so that the outer portion or case is substantially harder than the core. Typical processes are carburising, nitriding, carbo-nitriding,
nitro-carburising, flame hardening and induction hardening.

Charpy test
A pendulum type single-blow impact test in which the specimen, usually notched is supported at both ends as a simple beam and broken by a falling pendu-
lum. The energy absorbed as determined by the subsequent rise of the pendulum, is a measure of impact strength or notch toughness.

Decarburization
The loss of surface carbon in a ferrous alloy as a result of heating in a medium that reacts with the carbon at the surface.

Fatigue
The phenomenon leading to the fracture under repeated or fluctuating stresses having a maximum value less than the tensile strength of the material. Fatigue
fractures are progressive, beginning as small cracks that grow under the fluctuating stress.

Ferrite
A solid solution of one or more elements in body-centric-cubic iron. Unless otherwise stated, the solution is generally assumed to be carbon.

Flame hardening
A quench hardened component, where the heat is applied from a direct flame.

Full annealing
Annealing a ferrous alloy by heating it into the austenite range, holding it for a sufficient time and then cooling it slowly through the transformation range.

Grain growth
An increase in the size of the grains in polycrystalline metal, usually effected during heating at elevated temperatures. The increase may be gradual or abrupt,
resulting in either uniform or non-uniform grains after growth has ceased.

Grinding cracks
Shallow cracks formed on the surface of realtively hard materials because of excessive grinding heat or the high sensitivity of the material.

Hardenability
In ferrous alloy, the property that determines the depth and distribution of the hardness introduced during quenching.

Hardening
Increasing the hardness by suitable treatment, usually involving heating and cooling. The more specific terms should be used: age hardening, case hardening,
induction hardening, etc.

Hardness
The resistance of a metal to plastic deformation, usually by indentation. Common hardness tests are Brinell, Rockwell, Knoop and Vickers hardness.

Heat treatment
Heating and cooling a solid metal or alloy in such a way as to obtain desired conditions or properties. Heating for the sole purpose of hot working is excluded
fron the definition.

Homogenizing treatment
A heat treatment of an alloy intended to make it uniform in composition by eliminating coring and concentration gradients.

Impact test
A test to determine the behaviour of metals when subjected to high rates of loading, usually in bending, tension o r torsion. The quantity measured in the
energy absorbed in breaking the specimen by a single blow, as in the Charpy or Izod tests.

Induction hardening
Quench hardening in which the heat is generated by electrical induction.

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 GLOSSARY OF METALLURGICAL TERMS

Martempering
Quenching an austenitised ferrous alloy in a medium at a temperature in the upper part of the martensite range, or slightly above that range, and holding it in
the medium until the temperature throughout the alloy is substantially uniform. The alloy is then allowed to cool in still air through the martensite range.

Martensite
A metastable phase of steel, formed by the transformation of austenite below the Ms temperature. It is an interstitial supersaturated solid solution of carbon in
iron having a body-centred-tetragonal lattice. its microstructure is characterised by an acicular or needlelike pattern.

Mechanical properties
The properties of a metal that reveal its elastic and inelastic behaviour where force is applied, thereby indicating its suitability for mechanical applications.
Examples are tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and hardness.

Nitriding
Introducing nitrogen into a ferrous alloy by holding at a suitable temperature (below 720°C for ferritic steels) in contact with a nitrogenous material such as
ammonia or molten cyanide. Quenching is not required for hardening.

Normalizing
Heating a ferrous alloy to a suitable temperature above the transformation range and then cooling in air to a temperature substantially below the transformation
range.

Process annealing
In the sheet and wire industries, heating a ferrous alloy to a temperature close to, but below the transformation range and then cooling, in order to soften the
alloy for further cold working.

Quench hardening (quenching)

Hardening a ferrous alloy by austenitizing and the cooling rapidy enough so that some or all of the austenite transforms to martensite.

Residual stress
Stress present in a body that is free of external forces or thermal gradients.

Secondary hardening
Tempering certain alloys at a certain temperature so that the resulting hardness is higher than it would be if it were tempered at a lower temperature.

Solution heat treatment

Heating an alloy to a suitable temperature, holding at that temperature long enough to allow one or more constituents to enter solid solution, and the cooling
rapidly enough to hold those consituents in solution. The alloy is left in a supersaturated, unstable state.

Spheroidizing
Heating and cooling to produce a spheroidal or globular form of carbide in steel.

Temper
To reheat hardened steel to some temperature below the transformation range for the purpose of reducing the hardness and increating the toughness. The
process is also sometimes applied to normalized steel.

Toughness
The ability of the material to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing.

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 FACT SHEET ON ALLOYING AND ACCOMPANYING ELEMENTS IN STEEL

Fact Sheet on Alloying and Accompanying

Elements in Steel
AI - Aluminium
This is the most powerful de-oxidiser used which also combines with nitrogen, thereby reducing the susceptibility to strain ageing. Small
additions assist fine-grained structure. As aluminium forms very hard nitrides with nitrogen, it is usually an alloying element in nitriding
steels. Aluminium improves the scale resistance and is therefore often used as an alloying element in ferritic heat resisting steels.

C - Carbon
Carbon is the most important and influential element in steel. In addition to Carbon every unalloyed steel contains Silicon, Manganese
Phosphorus and Sulphur which occur unintentionally during manufacture. In addition to further alloying elements to achieve special
effects and intentionally increase Manganese and Silicon content, results in alloy steel. With increased Carbon content the strength and
hardenability of steel increase but its ductility, forgeability and machineability reduces. The carbon content in steel has virtually no effect
on the steels corrosion resistance to water, acids and hot gasses.

Cr - Chromium
Chromium increases the hardenability of steel while the ductility is effected minimally. Higher Chrome content in steel increases its
corrosion resistance, and by forming carbides the edge holding quality of steel increases. The tensile strength of steel increases by 8 - 100
N/mm² for every 1% Chrome added. The yield strength also increases but the notch impact value reduces.

Mn - Manganese
Manganese increases the strength of steel to a lesser degree than Carbon while it favourably influences the forgeability, weldability and
markedly increases the hardness penetration depth.

Mo - Molybdenum
While Molybdenum improves the tensile strength and increases the heat resistance and weldability of steel, the forgeability of steel with
high molybdenum, content decreases. When used in combination with Chromium and Nickel, Molybdenum may produce high yield points
and tensile strength values.

Ni - Nickel
By adding Nickel to steel the notch toughness is increased significantly and is therefore alloyed for increasing toughness in case-hardening,
heat-treatable and subzero toughness steels. Nickel combined with Chromium ensures good through hardening. Chrome-Nickel steels are
Stainless, heat resistant and resistant to scaling. Nickel does not impair the welding properties of steel.

P - Phosphorus
Phosphorus is normally regarded as being detrimental to steel and every endeavour is therefore made to keep Phosphorus content in high
grade steels to a maximum of 0.03 to 0.05%.

Pb - Lead
Lead is added in free cutting steels in amounts of 0.20 - 0.50%. Because of its fine homogenous distribution, formation of shorter chips and
clean faces of cut is achieved, thus improving machineability. The stated Lead content does not affect the mechanical properties of the
steel.

S - Sulphur
Sulphur produces the most pronounced segregation of all steel accompanying elements. It leads to red shortness or hot shortness.
Sulphur is added to steels for automatic machining in quantities of up to 0.40%. This reduces the friction on the tool cutting edges by
means of lubricating action, therefore increasing tool life. It also produces shorter chips during machining. Sulphur also increases
susceptibility to welding cracks in steel.

Si - Silicon
Silicon, like Manganese is contained in all steel as iron ore contains Silicon in various quantities, depending on overall composition. Silicon
is absorbed from the furnace refractory linings during the melting process. However, only steels containing more than 0.40% of Silicon are
called Silicon steels. Silicon is a deoxidiser and promotes graphite precipitation, it also increases the strength and wear resistance of steel
while significantly increasing the elastic limit, thus being a useful alloying element in spring steels. Because of Silicons ability to greatly
reduce electrical conductivity, extensive use is made of it in electrical steels.

V - Vanadium
Vanadium us used as a primary grain refiner in the manufacture of steel. It is also a strong carbide former, thus providing increased wear
resistance, edge holding and high temperature strength. Vanadium is therefore used primarily as an alloying element in high speed, hot
forming and creep resistant steels.

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 ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviations
Ann Annealed
N Normalized
HT Heat treated
QT Quenched and tempered
HB Brinell hardness (10mm ball, 3000kg load)
HRC Rockwell hardness, C scale, 150kg load)
HRB Rockwell hardness, B scale, 100kg load)
HV Vickers hardness
U.T.S. Ultimate tensile strength (Rm)
Y.S. Yield strength (Re)
0.2% P.S. Proof stress offset at 0.2 percent (Rp 0.2)
Elong. (%) Percentage of elongation [A on 5.65√ so where so = original cross sectional area]
J Joules (energy absorbed during impact testing)
KVC Charpy impact strength (”v” notch)
MPa Megapascal
N.mm2 Newton per square millimetre
1 MPa 1 N.mm2
mm Millimetre
m Metre
AR As hot rolled
AF As hot forged
kg/m Kilogram per metre

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 ACCREDITATION

Accreditation

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 ACCREDITATION

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 ACCREDITATION

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Macsteel Special Steels is able to source a wide range of specifications from our local and international network of suppliers.
Should you require any specifications not mentioned in our technical guide feel free to contact our metallurgical department
or sales team for further assistance.

September 2021