SAE 8620 Alloy Steel: Equivalent, Chemical Composition, Properties, and Uses

When it comes to high-performance materials used in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries, SAE 8620 alloy steel stands out due to its excellent combination of toughness, strength, and wear resistance. This steel grade, widely used for gears, shafts, and other critical components, is known for its ability to endure harsh conditions and resist fatigue and stress.

In this blog, we will dive into everything you need to know about SAE 8620 steel, including its equivalent grades, 8620 chemical composition, properties, and common uses. By the end, you’ll understand why 8620 steel is a preferred choice for applications requiring high mechanical properties and durability.

SAE 8620 steel is a low-alloy, case-hardening steel with a combination of carbon, manganese, and other elements that enhance its performance. It is a type of low-carbon alloy steel that undergoes heat treatment, specifically carburizing, to create a tough outer layer while maintaining a tough and ductile core. This makes 8620 steel ideal for parts that need high surface hardness but also require a degree of toughness in the interior.

In different countries and industries, there are various grades of steel that are equivalent to SAE 8620 steel. If you’re looking for 8620 steel equivalent grades in other standards, consider the following:

These equivalent grades offer similar mechanical properties and are used in regions or industries where specific standards are required.

The 8620 steel composition is carefully balanced to achieve the required mechanical properties. The composition of SAE 8620 typically includes:

• Carbon (C): 0.18-0.23%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.70-0.90%
• Chromium (Cr): 0.40-0.60%
• Nickel (Ni): 0.40-0.60%
• Molybdenum (Mo): 0.15-0.25%
• Sulfur (S): 0.05% max
• Phosphorus (P): 0.04% max

This combination of elements gives 8620 steel its excellent balance of hardenability, strength, and toughness. The relatively low carbon content makes it easier to machine, while the alloying elements like chromium and nickel increase its wear resistance and resistance to fatigue.

The 8620 material properties are what make it a versatile and durable choice for many critical applications. Some of the key properties of 8620 steel include:

• Tensile Strength: Approximately 100,000 psi (690 MPa) in the normalized condition. When carburized, the surface hardness can reach 58-62 HRC, providing excellent wear resistance.
• Hardness: After carburizing and quenching, 8620 steel offers a high surface hardness while maintaining a ductile core. This combination makes it resistant to both wear and impact.
• Machinability: In its annealed state, 8620 steel is relatively easy to machine. However, after heat treatment, it becomes more difficult to machine and requires specialized tools and techniques.
• Fatigue Resistance: The low-carbon core of 8620 steel allows it to withstand repeated stress cycles, making it an excellent choice for components like gears and shafts that undergo high cyclic loading.
• Ductility: 8620 steel offers good ductility, especially after it has been heat-treated. This makes it resistant to cracking and breakage, which is critical for high-stress applications.

Thanks to its versatile properties, SAE 8620 alloy steel is used in a variety of applications that demand high-strength and durable materials. Some of the most common uses of 8620 steel include:

1. Gears: 8620 steel is widely used in the manufacturing of gears due to its ability to withstand high stress and fatigue.
2. Shafts: This steel grade is commonly used for manufacturing shafts that require both toughness and wear resistance.
3. Pins: 8620 steel is often used to make pins that are subjected to heavy loads and stress.
4. Axles: The strength and durability of SAE 8620 make it an ideal material for axles in various automotive and heavy-duty applications.
5. Automotive Components: Due to its heat treatment capabilities, 8620 steel is often used for critical automotive parts, including crankshafts, camshafts, and drive shafts.
6. Aerospace Parts: The combination of strength and toughness makes 8620 steel useful for components in aerospace applications, such as landing gears and actuators.

The primary reason why manufacturers opt for SAE 8620 steel is its ability to provide a tough core combined with a wear-resistant surface, achieved through carburizing or case-hardening. Whether you’re producing high-performance gears, automotive parts, or other machinery components, 8620 steel offers an ideal balance of properties for a wide range of demanding applications.

At Lakshya Steel, we provide top-quality SAE 8620 steel and other alloy steels to meet your manufacturing needs. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we offer 8620 material in various forms, including bars, plates, and custom shapes. Our experienced team is here to help you select the right material for your application, ensuring you get the best value and performance from your steel products.

If you’re looking for reliable 8620 steel with consistent quality, reach out to Lakshya Steel today! Our products meet the highest standards of excellence, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect solution for your project. Contact us now for more information on our 8620 steel properties and how we can assist you with your needs.