SAE AISI 8620 steel is a widely used alloy that is prized for its combination of strength, hardness and wear resistance and is used in the manufacture of automotive components and heavy machinery, as well as parts for the defense industry. In this article, we’ll discuss the applications for UNS G86200, the important characteristics of AISI SAE 8620, and the advantages of machining and heat treating 8620 across industries.
What is SAE 8620 / AISI 8620 Alloy Steel?
SAE 8620 / AISI 8620 is a low alloy steel that is highly valued for its unique combination of strength, hardness and wear resistance, which makes it an excellent candidate for producing durable components.
SAE 8620 Chemical Composition
SAE 8620’s strength can be attributed to its balanced mixture of chemicals, such as carbon, nickel, and molybdenum, all working in tandem to produce durability and toughness.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 96.895–98.02 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.700–0.900 |
| Nickel, Ni | 0.400–0.700 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.400–0.600 |
| Carbon, C | 0.180–0.230 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.150–0.350 |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 0.150–0.250 |
| Sulfur, S | ≤ 0.0400 |
| Phosphorous, P | ≤ 0.0350 |
Mechanical Properties of SAE 8620
This steel offers a winning combination, a hard, wear-resistant surface paired with a tough, impact-resistant core making it ideal for many heavy-duty applications.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 530 MPa | 76900 psi |
| Yield strength | 385 MPa | 55800 psi |
| Elastic modulus | 190–210 GPa | 27557–30458 ksi |
| Bulk modulus (typical for steel) | 140 GPa | 20300 ksi |
| Shear modulus (typical for steel) | 80 GPa | 11600 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27–0.30 | 0.27–0.30 |
| Izod Impact | 115 J | 84.8 ft·lb |
| Hardness, Brinell | 149 | 149 |
| Hardness, Knoop (converted from Brinell hardness) | 169 | 169 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (converted from Brinell hardness) | 80 | 80 |
| Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness) | 155 | 155 |
| Machinability (hot rolled and cold drawn, based on 100 machinability for AISI 1212 steel) | 65 | 65 |
SAE 8620 Heat Treatment Guide
AISI 8620 steel is well suited for heat treatment, and is manipulated by means of quenching and normalizing, based on the mechanical properties needed for the application. Quenching consists of heating the steel above the critical temperature, and then quickly cooling the steel in oil or water, resulting in increased strength. Conversely, normalizing consists of heating the steel above the critical temperature, and then controlling the cooling rate in still air to allow the formation of a uniform structure. These processes, in combination with tempering, allow for a variety of tensile strengths ranging from 545 MPa (79 ksi) up to 795 MPa (115 ksi) to be achieved in SAE 8620, permitting the performance of the material to be customized for the specific application.
Physical Properties of SAE 8620
Beyond strength and hardness, SAE 8620’s physical properties enable it to handle demanding environments without compromising on reliability.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.284 lb/in³ |
SAE 8620 Equivalent Grades
Finding the right steel is easier with many global 8620 material equivalents that match its performance and quality standards.
| AISI 8620 | AMS 6274 | AMS 6276 | AMS 6277 | AMS 6375 | ASTM A29 |
| ASTM A322 | ASTM A331 | ASTM A506 | ASTM A507 | ASTM A513 | ASTM A519 |
| ASTM A646 | ASTM A752 | ASTM A829 | MIL S-8690 | SAE J1397 | SAE J404 |
| AFNOR 20 NCD 2 | AFNOR 22 NCD 2 | DIN 1.6523 | UNI 20 NiCrMo 2 | JIS SNCM 21 | JIS SNCM 21 H |
| B.S. 805 H 20 | B.S. 805 M 20 | AMS 6274G | AMS 6276c | AMS 6277A | ASTM A505 |
| MIL SPEC MIL-S-16974 | SAE J404 | SAE J770 |
Workability & Machinability of SAE 8620
Thanks to its smart alloying, SAE 8620 machines smoothly, helping manufacturers create precise parts efficiently without excessive tool wear.
SAE 8620 Steel Machining
The machinability of the AISI 8620 is notably excellent because of its low carbon content and the presence of alloying elements (e.g. molybdenum). These characteristics minimize cutting forces during machining, making AISI 8620 an excellent steel for manufacturing components with tight tolerances and intricate shapes, especially in precision parts such as firearms or aerospace applications. Moreover, the low sulfur content of steel aids in reducing tool wear during machining, leading to increased productivity and reduced per piece cost of manufacturing.
SAE 8620 Steel Welding
SAE 8620 can be welded in the as-rolled condition using common types of welding methods, e.g. gas welding or arc welding. Preheating the steel to about 400°F is beneficial, and post-weld heating is optimal. To become familiar with the best practices for welding AISI 8620 equivalent steel welding procedures, always review the approved weld procedure for whichever method you select.
SAE 8620 Steel Forging Characteristics
Typically, forging the SAE 8620 alloy steel is conducted at approximately 2250°F (1230°C) and can be continued as low as approximately 1700°F (925°C) prior to the heat treatment or carburizing. After forging, this material (AISI 8620 equivalent) should air cool.
Applications of SAE 8620 / AISI 8620
From automotive gears to agricultural machines, SAE 8620 is the go-to steel for parts that demand toughness and wear resistance. Let’s discuss the common applications of SAE 8620 / AISI 8620:
- Automotive Industry: AISI 8620 steel is mainly used to manufacture gears and shafts in vehicles. Its excellent wear resistance makes it suitable for parts like camshafts, drive shafts, transmission cases, and crankshafts.
- Agricultural Machinery: SAE 8620 alloy finds application in agricultural machinery components that require strength and durability to withstand heavy use in tough environments.
- General Engineering: AISI 8620 is commonly employed in general engineering for producing various components due to its balanced mechanical properties and 8620 equivalent material advantages.
- Other Applications: This versatile steel is also used in making differential housings, flywheels, connecting rods, and steering knuckles where toughness and wear resistance are essential.
Available Product Forms of SAE 8260
SAE/AISI 8620 is stocked in multiple shapes and supply conditions to match machining, heat-treat and forging workflows. Below is a clean overview you can drop into the page, with forms, common standards, and typical delivery options buyers look for.
Common Types of SAE 8620
| Types | Typical supply conditions / notes | Common standards |
| Round bars | Hot-rolled; peeled/turned; centreless-ground; random or cut lengths | ASTM A29, ASTM A322, ASTM A108 |
| Square bars | Hot-rolled or cold-finished for machining blocks and keys | ASTM A29, ASTM A322, ASTM A108 |
| Flat bars / Rectangles | For plates, wear strips, and flame-cut profiles | ASTM A29, ASTM A322 |
| Hex bars | For fasteners and turned parts | ASTM A29, ASTM A322, ASTM A108 |
| Billets / Blooms | Feedstock for open-die forging or rolling | Per mill practice; chemistry to SAE 8620 |
| Open-die forgings | Discs, rings, shafts, step-shafts, blocks; rough- or finish-machined | AMS 6274, AMS 6276, AMS 6277 |
| Plates | Limited availability for flame-cut shapes and fixtures | ASTM A829 |
| Seamless mechanical tubing / Hollow bar | For bored components with case-hardened OD/ID | ASTM A519 Grade 8620 |
SAE 8620 vs. Other Case-Hardening Steel
Difference between SAE 8620 and other case-hardening steel are discussed as follows:
| Grade | Alloy system | Typical case depth (gears) | Machinability (general) | Cost / Notes |
| SAE 8620 | Ni-Cr-Mo | ~0.9–1.2 mm | Good in annealed state | Balanced cost/performance; widely available |
| 16MnCr5 / 20MnCr5 | Mn-Cr | Similar targets; often slightly shallower on small parts | Good; lower Ni content | Often lower alloy cost; weldability is poorer; widely used in gearboxes |
| EN36 family / 18CrNiMo7-6 | High-Ni, Cr-Mo | Can support deeper cases and higher core strength | Machinability moderate | Higher cost; used for large, highly loaded gears |
Trusted Supplier of Premium SAE 8620 Alloy Steel
At Lakshya Steel, we recognize the important role that materials such as SAE 8620 play in your manufacturing. Our grade 8620 steel products have received rigorous quality verification and are supported with important information to assist you to select the right material grade, steel product type, and heat treatment for your application. Our stock and supply includes a wide range of SAE 8620 steel product forms including round bars, billets, and seamless tubes. All of our steel products for your application are certified to ASTM and international standards.
Ready to obtain high-quality SAE 8620 alloy steel for your next project? Contact Us today to discuss your requirements and obtain competitive quotes. We are here to help you with product selection, to provide technical advice, and with on-time delivery when you are ready to order to support your operations.
