Everything to Know about Manganese Steel and Manganese Steel Castings

Manganese steel aka Hadfield steel is a kind of wear-resistant steel. It is meant for manufacturing crushers, rock-processing equipment, and power shovels. This particular steel contains 1.2% carbon and 12% manganese which is a great austenizer. Manganese steel or mangalloy is known for the high-impact strength and abrasion resistance features. All these features are eminent in the hardened state of the steel.

Uses of manganese steel

Since it is self-hardening steel, it is widely used in the mining industry. Manganese steel casting is useful for the production of tractor crawler treads, rock crushers, and cement mixers. It is also used for shovel buckets and elevators. The rail industry too largely depends on this kind of steel as mentioned by a leading manufacturer. Owing to its high-impact strength, the alloy is used for making window bars in the prisons as well as anti-drill plates, safes, and bullet-proof cabinets.

Rusting and mangalloy

Though almost all steels including low-alloy steels tend to rust in moist environments, manganese steel is not that susceptible due to its high manganese content. An increased amount of manganese in the steel prevents corrosion. And this is mostly done because of the absorption of manganese ions.

Manganese steel and magnetism

Manganese steel features work-hardening property. But the steel is non-magnetic. And this makes it an ideal choice for electrical transformer assembly. It is also suitable for industrial lifting.

Cutting mangalloy

Mangalloy is hard to machining. It is often known for having zero machinability. This is the reason that steel can’t be used everywhere. It can’t be softened by the process of annealing. It promptly hardens under the cutting and grinding machinery. The steel needs special tooling for machining. It can be drilled only by carbide or diamond though it is a very difficult job. Manganese steel can be forged from yellow heat. But it crumbles if being hammered while white-hot. The steel is tougher than carbon steel during the heated condition. You may use an oxy-acetylene torch for cutting the same though laser or plasma cutting would be a better solution.

Manganese steel welding

It can be welded by keeping the heat down. Also, it needs to be cooled down at the earliest to avoid cracking. And for this, an inter-pass temperature of less than 500F would be perfect.

These are a few important notes to know about manganese steel before you use it as per your requirements.