Refractory Metal FeCrSi Si20Cr45
Grade
ASTM A101 · GB GB/T 4008
Si20Cr45 = 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.
Values for the Si20Cr45 condition
Other FeCrSi tempers and conditions
FeCrSi is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at FeCrSi.
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 |
Si20Cr45This page 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 Si20Cr45?
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 is FeCrSi in the Si20Cr45 grade — 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. FeCrSi Si20Cr45 has a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi), weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 0.2% and the elastic modulus is 180 GPa (26.1 Msi). FeCrSi Si20Cr45 has a density of 6.4 g/cm³ (0.231 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,380°C (2,516 °F). Si40Cr35 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Si20Cr45 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of refractory metal grades
- Lightweight — 6.4 g/cm³ (0.231 lb/in³), better than 86% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 35/100, worse than 99% of refractory metal grades
- Difficult to weld — 2/100, worse than 99% of refractory metal grades
- Low fracture toughness — 4 MPa·√m (3.64 ksi·√in), worse than 98% of refractory metal grades
- Limited formability — 1/100, worse than 98% of refractory metal grades
- Limited ductility — 0.2%, worse than 96% of refractory metal grades
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 properties
Typical room-temperature values for FeCrSi Si20Cr45; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are FeCrSi reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 has a density of 6.4 g/cm³ (0.231 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,380°C (2,516 °F).
Mechanical10
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 has a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi), weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 0.2% and the elastic modulus is 180 GPa (26.1 Msi).
Thermal2
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 is rated for continuous service to 1,000°C (1,832 °F). It conducts heat at 13 W/m·K (7.51 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of refractory metal grades.
Electrical3
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 conducts electricity at 1.9 % IACS, worse than 91% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), worse than 99% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of FeCrSi Si20Cr45 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 Si20Cr45's machinability is not recommended (8/100, worse than 92% of refractory metal grades); weldability not recommended (2/100); formability not recommended (1/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with FeCrSi Si20Cr45
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.
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.
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 | — |
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 — frequently asked
What is FeCrSi Si20Cr45 used for?
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 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 Si20Cr45?
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 has a typical tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is FeCrSi Si20Cr45 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (8/100, worse than 92% 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 Si20Cr45 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (2/100). 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 Si20Cr45?
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 Si20Cr45 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 Si20Cr45?
FeCrSi Si20Cr45 is rated for continuous use to about 1,000°C (1,832 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.
