Help me spec a type of steel

[hooblah]

I need a couple of washers made up from 4140 crmo for a torsen diff. This is what I have been told to use by the manufacturer. This is because it is tough and can be heat treated to increase the hardness. Hardened bronze may also be used.

I have been informed that silver steel may be a good alternative. What are your thoughts?

 

[ronan]

You can buy 4140, which is en19 this side of the atlantic or en24 in the prehard condition. You can still machine it. Silver steel or o1 is easily hardenable at home, i've used it to make bits and bobs. You would have to surface grind the washers after hardening i would think as most metals move to some extent after quenching.

 

[hooblah]

Thanks. Do you think 01 has a higher or lower spec in terms of toughness and abrasion resistance than 4140/en19?
Just trying to gauge whether or not it will be a good enough substitute.

 

[ronan]

The 4140 isn't hard to buy, and if thats what the manufacturer recommends, then thats what i would go with.

 

[hooblah]

Ok. Now answer the question.

 

[ronan]

Yeah i would chance silver steel, i like it a lot, and have used it for all sorts of jobs. The great thing about it is it is easy to heat treat.

 

[Rocketman]

You could always use a bit of P20. Pre-hardened and tough with the option to nitride/tufftride which is very wear resistant, anti seize and anti corrosion. The beauty is that you could probably finish the part and not have to finish grind it after the process.

 

[ronan]

You could always use a bit of P20. Pre-hardened and tough with the option to nitride/tufftride which is very wear resistant, anti seize and anti corrosion. The beauty is that you could probably finish the part and not have to finish grind it after the process.

Yes i've used p20, nice steel too, and of course if you nitride it, it will be nice and hard.