Refractory Metal FeCrSi
ASTM A101 · GB GB/T 4008
FeCrSi is an Fe-Cr-Si ferroalloy (A101, GB/T 4008) supplied in grades from Si20Cr45 through Si40Cr35 plus a low-carbon MC-C0.03 variant.
Reference datasheet — FeCrSi is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the Si40Cr35 condition
FeCrSi tempers and conditions
FeCrSi is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. Si40Cr35 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Si≥45%, Cr≈28–32%, C≤0.05% | Pick when maximum Cr₂O₃ slag reduction and silicon yield come first: Si ≥45 % lowers density to 4.9 g/cm³ and melting point to 1270 °C, but contributes less chromium per addition. | 100 | 0 | 67 HRC | 1.1 % IACS | |
Si≈40%, Cr≈35%, C≤0.03% | Specify for refining extra-low-carbon stainless grades such as 304L and 316L where carbon pickup must be held to C ≤0.03 % at the same Si≈40 %, Cr≈35 % balance. | 115 | 0 | 65 HRC | 1.2 % IACS | |
Si40Cr35Default Si≈40%, Cr≈35%, C≤0.06% | Default general-purpose choice for the stainless AOD/VOD reduction period, balancing silicon reducing power against chromium recovery at 5.2 g/cm³ and a 1290 °C melting point. | 120 | 0 | 65 HRC | 1.2 % IACS | |
Si≈33–38%, Cr≈33–38%, C≤0.06% | Use where chromium make-up and deoxidation are needed in equal measure: the balanced 33–38 % Si with 33–38 % Cr melts at 1310 °C and holds C ≤0.06 %. | 135 | 0 | 64 HRC | 1.4 % IACS | |
Si≈28–32%, Cr≈38–42%, C≤0.06% | Choose when the addition acts mainly as a low-carbon chromium source while still reducing slag: 38–42 % Cr gives high chromium recovery, with 5.8 g/cm³ density and 1330 °C melting point. | 150 | 0 | 63 HRC | 1.6 % IACS | |
Si≈18–24%, Cr≈42–48% | Use much like low-carbon ferrochrome when silicon input to the furnace must be limited: 18–24 % Si with 42–48 % Cr, denser at 6.4 g/cm³ and melting higher at 1380 °C. | 180 | 0.2 | 61 HRC | 1.9 % IACS |
What is FeCrSi?
FeCrSi is an Fe-Cr-Si ferroalloy (A101, GB/T 4008) supplied in grades from Si20Cr45 through Si40Cr35 plus a low-carbon MC-C0.03 variant. It is used mainly as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer and as a low-carbon chromium source in stainless steel refining by the AOD/VOD route, where the silicon supports chromium recovery from slag. Density is 5.2 g/cm³ and the melting point about 1290 °C, low for a ferroalloy; the product is brittle, crushed to size, and reacts exothermically when added to liquid steel. FeCr-LC is the alternative when silicon input must be limited. FeCrSi has a density of 5.2 g/cm³ (0.188 lb/in³), lighter than 89% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,290°C (2,354 °F). FeCrSi has a tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi), weaker than 100% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 150 GPa (21.8 Msi).
What is FeCrSi used for?
- stainless steel deoxidation
- AOD/VOD refining
- low-carbon chromium recovery
- special steel alloying
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of refractory metal grades
- Lightweight — 5.2 g/cm³ (0.188 lb/in³), better than 89% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 2.5 MPa·√m (2.28 ksi·√in), worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
- Poor heat conductor — 9 W/m·K (5.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.2 % IACS, worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
- Difficult to weld — 0/100, worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
- Limited formability — 0/100, worse than 100% of refractory metal grades
FeCrSi properties
Typical room-temperature values for FeCrSi-Si40Cr35; bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
FeCrSi has a density of 5.2 g/cm³ (0.188 lb/in³), lighter than 89% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,290°C (2,354 °F).
Mechanical10
FeCrSi has a tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi), weaker than 100% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 150 GPa (21.8 Msi).
Thermal2
FeCrSi is rated for continuous service to 900°C (1,652 °F). It conducts heat at 9 W/m·K (5.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of refractory metal grades.
Electrical3
FeCrSi conducts electricity at 1.2 % IACS, worse than 100% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 95% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of FeCrSi takes about 70 MJ of energy and emits 6 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability4
FeCrSi's machinability is not recommended (4/100, worse than 96% of refractory metal grades); weldability not recommended (0/100); formability not recommended (0/100).
Common Calculations2
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the refractory metal family
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade FabDigit runs. FeCrSi is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with FeCrSi
Is FeCrSi easy to machine?
Not machinable; the alloy is jaw- or cone-crushed and screened into 10–100 mm lump or 0–10 mm granules, and crushing generates heavy dust.
Can FeCrSi be welded?
Not weldable; it is a melt addition only. The reaction with liquid steel is strongly exothermic, so use dry, preheated feed bins and add in batches.
Can FeCrSi be formed, bent or molded?
No plastic deformation capability — the alloy is cast into ingot pans and then crushed. Avoid long-term storage of powdered material, which absorbs moisture and evolves gas.
FeCrSi chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Crgrade-dependent; high-chromium types up to 48% | 28 – 42 | 35 |
| Sikey grade-defining element | 18 – 45 | 40 |
| Cmicro-carbon grade ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.06 | 0.04 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Alupper limit specified for some grades | ≤ 1.5 | 0.5 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on FeCrSi?
No surface treatment is required. Pack in moisture-proof big bags or steel drums, keep away from water and acid, and store in a ventilated warehouse.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Refractory Metal FeCrSi in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- A101
- GB (China)
- GB/T 4008
How much does FeCrSi cost?
FeCrSi is a budget-cost refractory metal ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
FeCrSi — frequently asked
What is FeCrSi used for?
FeCrSi is typically used for stainless steel deoxidation, AOD/VOD refining, low-carbon chromium recovery and special steel alloying. In short: silicon-bearing chromium reductant; low-carbon Cr source; lowest-melting ferrochrome type.
What is the tensile strength of FeCrSi?
FeCrSi has a typical tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) — weaker than 100% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is FeCrSi easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (4/100, worse than 96% of refractory metal grades). Not machinable; the alloy is jaw- or cone-crushed and screened into 10–100 mm lump or 0–10 mm granules, and crushing generates heavy dust.
Can FeCrSi be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (0/100). Not weldable; it is a melt addition only. The reaction with liquid steel is strongly exothermic, so use dry, preheated feed bins and add in batches.
What surface finishes work on FeCrSi?
No surface treatment is required. Pack in moisture-proof big bags or steel drums, keep away from water and acid, and store in a ventilated warehouse.
Can FeCrSi be formed, bent or molded?
No plastic deformation capability — the alloy is cast into ingot pans and then crushed. Avoid long-term storage of powdered material, which absorbs moisture and evolves gas.
What is the maximum service temperature of FeCrSi?
FeCrSi is rated for continuous use to about 900°C (1,652 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does FeCrSi cost?
FeCrSi is a budget-cost refractory metal ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- GB/T 4008 (2018)
- ASTM A482/A482M Standard Specification for Ferrochrome-Silicon — ASTM (2018)
- ISO 5448 Ferrosilicochromium — Specification and conditions of delivery — ISO (1981)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Steelmaking additions / ferroalloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.