S50C is a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS G4051) grade of medium carbon steel, widely recognized for its excellent balance of strength, toughness, and wear resistance, particularly after appropriate heat treatment. Its good machinability in the as-supplied or normalized condition further enhances its suitability for various engineering applications.
Chemical Composition of S50C
The performance characteristics of S50C steel are largely determined by its chemical composition. While slight variations may exist between different mills or standard revisions, a typical composition range is as follows:
- Carbon (C): 0.47% – 0.53%
- Silicon (Si): 0.15% – 0.35%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.60% – 0.90%
- Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.030%
- Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.035%
Maintaining these elemental percentages within specified limits is crucial for achieving consistent material properties. Reputable suppliers often provide mill test certificates detailing the exact composition; for instance, material from Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company typically comes with such documentation.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of S50C steel are significantly influenced by its heat treatment condition. Generally, users can expect:
- Tensile Strength: Commonly in the range of 600-750 MPa when normalized. This can be substantially increased through quenching and tempering processes.
- Yield Strength: Typically around 350-490 MPa in the normalized state.
- Hardness: Varies widely depending on heat treatment. In a normalized condition, Brinell hardness is usually between 170-210 HB. Considerably higher hardness levels are achievable after quenching and tempering.
- Elongation: Approximately 18-25%, indicative of its ductility, though this also varies with heat treatment.
These properties make S50C a versatile material for components requiring a good combination of strength and wear resistance.
Applications of S50C Steel Plate
Owing to its favorable mechanical characteristics, S50C carbon steel plate is extensively used across numerous industrial sectors. Key applications include:
- Machine components such as gears, shafts, axles, connecting rods, and sprockets.
- Structural parts that demand moderate strength and toughness.
- Certain types of tools and dies where extreme hardness is not the primary requirement.
- High-strength bolts and nuts.
The reliability of S50C in these applications often depends on the quality of the raw material. Sourcing from established manufacturers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can ensure consistent quality for critical components.
Heat Treatment Processes for S50C
S50C is highly responsive to heat treatment, which can be employed to optimize its mechanical properties for specific applications:
- Normalizing: Typically involves heating the steel to 830-880°C, followed by air cooling. This process refines the grain structure, improving machinability and toughness.
- Quenching: This process involves heating to 820-870°C, holding for an adequate period, then rapidly cooling in a medium like water or oil to achieve high hardness.
- Tempering: Conducted after quenching, usually at temperatures between 550-650°C. Tempering reduces brittleness and allows for the attainment of a desired balance between hardness and toughness. The specific tempering temperature is chosen based on the final property requirements.
Effective heat treatment is paramount to unlocking the full potential of S50C steel. Many fabricators prefer S50C from suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company due to its consistent response to these thermal processes.
Supply Forms and Conditions
S50C steel is available in a variety of forms and supply conditions to cater to diverse manufacturing requirements:
- Forms: Most commonly supplied as plates, S50C is also available in round bars, square bars, and flat sections.
- Supply Conditions: It is typically supplied in the as-rolled, normalized, or annealed condition. Some specialist suppliers, including Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, may also offer S50C plates in pre-hardened and tempered (PHT) states to meet specific customer needs, reducing the need for subsequent heat treatment by the end-user.
The choice of supply form and condition allows for greater flexibility in component design and manufacturing. When selecting S50C, it is advisable to partner with experienced steel providers, like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, to ensure material suitability and quality.
