1090 Carbon Steel

Description

1090 is a high-carbon steel known for its exceptional strength, hardness, and wear resistance. It is commonly used in applications where high strength and durability are required.

Applications

1090 is often used in applications such as blades, springs, cutting tools, and high-strength mechanical components where hardness, toughness, and wear resistance are critical.

Blacksmith Applications

1090 Forging Temperature

Forging should be done between 1900°F to 2100°F (1038°C to 1149°C), followed by slow cooling in a furnace or insulating material.

1090 Heat Treatment

1090 Annealing Temperature

Annealing is typically performed at 1475°F to 1500°F (802°C to 816°C) for a sufficient amount of time, followed by slow cooling in the furnace to relieve internal stresses.

1090 Normalizing Temperature

Normalizing can be carried out at 1600°F to 1700°F (871°C to 927°C) for a proper soak time, followed by air cooling.

1090 Hardening Temperature

Hardening is achieved by heating the steel to 1475°F to 1550°F (802°C to 843°C) and then quenching in oil or water to achieve the desired hardness.

1090 Tempering Temperature

Tempering should be performed between 300°F to 700°F (149°C to 371°C) to achieve the desired balance between hardness and toughness.

Machinability

1090 has a machinability rating of 35, indicating fair machinability with appropriate cutting tools and techniques. It requires slower speeds and heavier feeds compared to low-carbon steels.

Weldability

1090 has fair weldability with proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment. It is recommended to use low-hydrogen welding methods and suitable filler materials.

Chemical Analysis

The chemical make up of this steel.

Chemical Content (%)
Carbon (C)0.85-0.95
Manganese (Mn)0.60-0.90
Phosphorus (P)0.040
Sulfur (S)0.050
Silicon (Si)0.15-0.30
Iron (Fe)Balance