52100 is a high-carbon chromium alloy steel, which, because of its versatility, is used in a variety of mechanical applications.  In the annealed condition this steel is comparatively easy to machine, yet very high hardness and abrasion resistance can be developed by heat treatment to make the steel particularly suitable for applications requiring extreme wear resistance.  In addition, 52100 alloy steel can be heat treated to high levels of tensile strength and fatigue strength.

Tool Steels - Compared with tool steels in general, 52100 is less expensive and is much easier to handle.  It is easier to form and machine than most tool steels yet can, after simple heat treatment, develop many of the proporties of tool steels.

Carburizing Grades - Compared with the carburizing grades of alloy steels, 52100 sacrifices some machinability but in return the user has a material with a much more simple and inexpensive heat treatment that minimizes distortion.

Three compositions of 52100 have been developed with a wide range of hardenabilities which are suitable for nearly any application requiring high hardness throughout medium to heavy sections.  These analyses are as follows in order of increasing hardenability:

Basic Characteristics of 52100 Alloy Steel

Three compositions of 52100 have been developed with a wide range of hardenabilities which are suitable for nearly any application requiring high hardness throughout medium to heavy sections.  These analyses are as follows in order of increasing hardenability:

Analyses, %

Applications

Some of the typical applications of 52100 steel tubing are:

Steel Quality

Source: Sullivan Steel Services