SAE 8620 Alloy Steel – High-Performance Steel for Case-Hardening Applications

SAE 8620 Alloy Steel

SAE 8620 is a low-alloy steel enriched with Chromium, Nickel, and Molybdenum, designed for case-hardening applications. It stands out for its high core strength, superior toughness, and excellent machinability. Compared to grades 8615 and 8617, SAE 8620 offers enhanced mechanical properties and versatility, making it a preferred choice in industries like automotive, construction, and engineering.

Amardeep Steel Centre is a trusted supplier of SAE 8620 alloy steel, providing high-quality solutions tailored to various industrial requirements.

Composition of SAE 8620 Steel

SAE 8620 steel owes its exceptional properties to its unique chemical composition:

Chemical Composition (EN 10084:2008):
Element Range (%)
Carbon (C) 0.18–0.23
Chromium (Cr) 0.40–0.69
Manganese (Mn) 0.70–0.90
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.15–0.25
Nickel (Ni) 0.40–0.70
Phosphorus (P) Max 0.040
Sulfur (S) Max 0.040
Silicon (Si) 0.20–0.35

This combination of elements ensures a balance of toughness, wear resistance, and core strength, making SAE 8620 a versatile material for medium-strength parts.

Key Properties of SAE 8620 Steel

  1. Toughness: Offers excellent toughness, making it suitable for applications subject to high stress and dynamic loads.
  2. Core Strength: Provides higher core strength compared to similar grades like 8615 and 8617.
  3. Case-Hardening Capability: Allows for a hard, wear-resistant surface with a tough, ductile core.
  4. Machinability: Easy to machine when properly normalized or heat-treated.
  5. Weldability: Can be welded by conventional methods before carburizing or hardening.

Applications of SAE 8620 Steel

SAE 8620 alloy steel is ideal for components requiring high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. Common applications include:

Automotive Components:

  1. Gears: Superior wear resistance ensures durability in high-stress environments.
  2. Camshafts: Provides toughness and precision for efficient engine operation.
  3. Crankshafts: Handles dynamic stresses and rotational loads effectively.

Industrial Machinery:

  1. Bearings: Suitable for high-load and high-speed conditions.
  2. Fasteners: Ensures reliability in heavy-duty applications.
  3. Machine Tools: Used in spindles and rotating parts for industrial machines.

Construction Equipment:

  1. Hydraulic Components: High strength and wear resistance make it ideal for hydraulic cylinders and fittings.
  2. Heavy-Duty Tools: Used in parts requiring consistent performance under extreme loads.

General Engineering:

  1. Forged Parts: Common in forged components like sprockets and couplings.
  2. Structural Parts: Provides stability and strength for critical assemblies.

Forging and Heat Treatment of SAE 8620 Steel

Forging and heat treatment are critical processes in enhancing the mechanical properties of SAE 8620 steel.

Forging

  • Starting Temperature : Approximately 2250°F (1232°C).
  • End Temperature : Can be forged down to 1700°F (927°C).
  • Cooling Method : Air-cooled post-forging to maintain structural integrity.

Heat Treatment:

  1. Normalizing: Heated to 1675°F (913°C) and air-cooled to improve machinability and prepare for case-hardening.
  2. Carburizing: Heated to 1650–1700°F (899–927°C) to achieve a hard surface while retaining a tough core.
  3. Hardening: Quenched in oil or water to enhance hardness and strength.
  4. Tempering: Tempered at temperatures based on specific hardness requirements to stabilize the material and reduce brittleness.

These processes enable SAE 8620 steel to meet the demands of diverse industrial applications, ensuring a balance of hardness, toughness, and machinability.


Heat Treatment Parameters:

  1. Carburizing: Surface hardening at 900–950°C.
  2. Hardening: Core strength enhancement at 850–880°C.
  3. Tempering: Stabilizes steel at 150–200°C, preventing brittleness.
  4. Soft Annealing: Improves machinability by reducing internal stress (650–700°C).

Machinability and Weldability of SAE 8620 Steel

Machinability:

SAE 8620 exhibits excellent machinability when normalized or suitably heat-treated. Its structure allows for precision machining, making it ideal for components requiring tight tolerances.


Weldability:

The steel can be welded using normal fusion welding methods. However, welding is recommended before carburizing or heat treatment to avoid distortions and stress build-up.

Testing and Quality Assurance at Amardeep Steel Centre

At Amardeep Steel Centre, we prioritize quality and reliability. Every batch of SAE 8620 steel undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards.

Our Testing Process Includes:

  1. Chemical Analysis: Verifies the composition to ensure consistency.
  2. Mechanical Testing: Measures tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance.
  3. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic and magnetic particle inspection (MPI) to detect internal and surface flaws.
  4. Dimensional Checks: Ensures precise dimensions and tolerances for all products.

A detailed test certificate is provided with every consignment for complete transparency.

Why Choose Amardeep Steel Centre for SAE 8620 Steel?

  1. High-Quality Products: Adherence to international standards ensures top-notch quality.
  2. Custom Solutions: Tailored manufacturing to meet specific industry requirements.
  3. Global Supply Network: Efficient logistics for timely delivery across domestic and international markets.
  4. Competitive Pricing: Transparent and fair pricing without compromising quality.
  5. Customer Support: Dedicated team to assist with technical queries and order requirements.

Ordering SAE 8620 Steel

Minimum Order Quantity: 3 MT per size
Available Forms:

  • Round Bars
  • Forged Blocks
  • Custom Profiles

Length Options:

  • Standard lengths of 5–6 meters
  • Custom lengths available on request

Surface Finishes:

  • Hot Rolled
  • Bright Bar
  • Cold Drawn

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes SAE 8620 steel unique?

SAE 8620 stands out for its case-hardening capability, toughness, and excellent core strength. Its balance of properties makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

2. Can SAE 8620 be used in automotive gears?

Yes, SAE 8620 is commonly used in gears due to its high wear resistance and ability to withstand dynamic stress.

3. Is SAE 8620 steel weldable?

Yes, SAE 8620 can be welded using standard fusion methods. However, welding should be performed before carburizing or heat treatment.

4. What heat treatment processes are recommended for SAE 8620?

SAE 8620 can be normalized, carburized, hardened, and tempered to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

5. What industries use SAE 8620 steel?

Industries like automotive, construction, engineering, and heavy machinery widely use SAE 8620 for components such as gears, camshafts, fasteners, and structural parts.