In previous Ulbrinox blogs, we have mentioned and explained the classification of steel according to the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute), which is a widely used classification system.
Just as the aforementioned system is used, there is another classification system, mainly used in the automotive industry, created by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
The classification system by the SAE standard is responsible for regulating and standardizing the components of a vehicle. These components, when under the SAE standard, will comply with specific specifications for each material.
Classification of steels according to the SAE standard
In the case of steel, it is classified as follows: It consists of four digits. The first two digits identify the elements of the alloy present in the steel.
The last two digits indicate the hundredths of a percentage of carbon.
- 1st digit: Number of the predominant element in the alloy
- 1: Carbon
- 2: Nickel
- 3: Nickel-Chrome
- 4: Molybdenum
- 5: Chrome
- 6: Chrome-Vanadium
- 7: Chrome-Tungsten
- 8: Triple alloy
- 9: Silicon-magnesium.
- 2nd digit: Number of other alloying elements.
- 1: Carbon
- 2: Nickel
- 3: Nickel-Chrome
- 4: Molybdenum
- 5: Chrome
- 6: Chrome-Vanadium
- 7: Chrome-Tungsten
- 8: Triple alloy (Nickel-Chrome-Molybdenum)
- 9: Silicon-Manganese.
- 3rd and 4th digit: Average carbon content in hundredths. The amount of carbon ranges between 05 and 95.
In some classifications, a letter may be seen at the beginning, this letter indicates the process used for the production of the steel, the following letters are used:
- A: Basic open hearth steel
- B: Carbon Bessemer acid steel
- C: Basic oxygen converter steel
- D: Open hearth carbon acid steel
- E: Electric furnace steel
This explanation is only a general and basic perspective to understand the interpretation of the SAE standard. In the industry, access is available to a complete list or table of percentages of each element contained in the steel composition.
At Ulbrinox we have a wide range of steel alloys for a wide variety of applications. Contact us for a quote or for more information.
