An approach that meets your specs but beats the competition on overall cost-efficiency
Many manufacturers assume that high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel isn’t strong enough for cylindrical parts. That may be the case with other foundries — but not with Spuncast.
By combining centrifugal casting with the proper secondary processes and decades of foundry experience, Spuncast produces a reliable, repeatable HSLA Steel. It’s HSLA that can meet the specs of the most demanding industries, all with cost efficiencies that extend beyond the purchase price.
Spuncast’s centrifugally cast HSLA tubes have built-in savings
Our approach starts with the process our foundry was built for: Centrifugal casting.
The centrifugal casting process creates denser and less porous material, where most of the metal can be recovered. That means less waste. In addition, the flexibility of centrifugal casting means your HSLA steel part can be consistently and efficiently recreated.
- Low scrap rate
- Increased ductility and toughness
- Efficient repeatability
Spuncast is one of the few foundries with extensive experience with HSLA tubing. It’s why we’re known for producing HSLA tubes with mechanical properties that match or exceed other (and more costly) carbon steels.
Secondary processes improve performance and other production efficiencies
Secondary processes like heat treating and CNC machining can enhance the properties of HSLA steel to the same levels as a forged equivalent and, in some cases, even exceed it.
Heat Treating
With the proper heat treatment (and the right expertise), the strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, and corrosion resistance of your HSLA steel will improve. Spuncast applies the proper heat treatment based on your requirements:
- Quenching and tempering to create better balance and stability.
- Annealing for restoring ductility and allowing additional processing without cracking.
- Normalizing to provide uniformity and a fine-grained structure.
- Stress Relief to reduce the risk of unintended dimensional changes.
CNC Machining
CNC machining removes unneeded metal fast and selectively, and it’s a finishing process that works especially well with HSLA steel because it:
- Requires fewer steps to deliver far more complexity
- Creates highly repeatable components accurately
- Adds improved performance to the design
- Eliminates unnecessary waste
Producing the grade you need with the specs to match
A Spuncast centrifugal cast HSLA steel compares to the following industry standards:
| Spuncast Alloys | N-1 | 6N | 7Q | 10B | 13Q | 14Q | 15A | C5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similar Alloy | 1020 | 4020 | 4130 | 4330 | 8620 | 8630 | 52100 | T5 (AISI501) |
| Chemical Specifications | ||||||||
| Carbon max | 0.25 | 0.35 | .25-.35 | 0.30 | .15-.25 | .25-.35 | .95- 1.10 | 0.20 |
| Manganese max | 0.75 | 1.35-1.75 | .40-.70 | .60-1.00 | .65–.95 | .65-.95 | .25-.55 | .40-.70 |
| Silicon max | 0.80 | .20-.80 | .20-.80 | 0.80 | .20-.80 | .20-.80 | .20-.80 | 0.75 |
| Phosphorus max | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Sulfur max | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Chromium | – | .35 max | .80-1.10 | .55-.90 | .40-.70 | .40-.70 | 1.30-1.60 | 4.00-6.50 |
| Nickel | – | .5 max | – | 1.40-2.00 | .40-.70 | .40-.70 | .5 max | .5 max |
| Molybdenum | – | .22-.55 | .15-.25 | .15-.30 | .15-.25 | .15-.25 | – | .45-.65 |
| Other | – | Cu .50 max W .25 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max V .03 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max | Cu .50 max W .10 max |
| Mechanical Properties | ||||||||
| Tensile (min) – KSI (MPa) | 60(413) | 90(621) | 150(1030) | 125( 860) | 105(724) | 127(875)- 150(1030) | – | 90(620)-115(795) |
| Yield (min) – KSI (MPa) | 30(206) | 60(414) | 115(793) | 100(690) | 85(586) | 100(690)- 120(827) | – | 60(415) |
| Elongation (2″ min) | 22% | 20% | 7% | 15% | 10% | 4-14% | – | 10% |
| Brinell Hardness (10mm – 3000Kg -) Typical Values | 183-217 | 183-217 | 255.00 | 262-285 | 197-262 | 286-352 | 241.00 | 212-440 |
| Density lbs/in | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 |
| Industry Standards* | ||||||||
| ASTM Standard | A27 | A732 | A732 | A487 | A732 | A732 | A732 | A217 |
| UNS | J02500 | J13512 | J13045 | J23015 | J12048 | J13051 | J19966 | J42045 |
| Similar DIN | – | – | – | – | 1.65 | – | – | – |
How does the approach compare to forged HSLA steel?
Manufacturers who typically used a forged process for their HSLA steel ask us to test the mechanical properties of our grades. Time after time, they meet the same specs as forging-produced stainless steel, but with the added cost efficiencies.
Used by the most demanding industries
Many industries request an HSLA steel that can hold up to extreme amounts of stress and have distinct mechanical properties to meet the needs required for applications like:
| Automotive parts | Need high strength and relatively high formability |
| Aircraft structures | Endure speed and pressure differences which require high tensile strength |
| Bridges and suspensions | Undergo extreme tension from both vehicle weight and weather |
| Mining | Demands a high degree of durability to withstand tremendous tensile stress |
These industries produce the following types of products with Spuncast HSLA steels:
- High-strength roll bodies
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Industrial machinery
- Road building equipment
- Anywhere rugged service is required
FAQs
What is HSLA steel?
HSLA steel is a type of alloy steel that is made to meet specific mechanical properties rather than chemical properties. It’s also lighter weight and therefore is used in tube parts for vehicles, bridges, buildings, or any other structures designed to withstand tremendous amounts of stress.
Why would HSLA steel be used over carbon steel?
HSLA steel is a trusted and widely used material because it is often more affordable and 20 to 30% lighter than carbon steel of the same strength. A tube made from HSLA will have stronger mechanical properties than one made from a typical carbon steel.
In what ways can an HSLA steel tube be better?
Because centrifugal cast HSLA steels are much stronger but lighter in weight, they can be used to produce tubes with thinner outer or inner wall dimensions and will still have better mechanical properties than most other steels. It’s an efficient way of reducing the overall weight of the end product.
Why are HSLA steel tubes not as good when made from other centrifugal foundries?
Determining the optimal composition and the required processes for the appropriate HSLA steel requires a foundry that knows what they’re doing.
Spuncast Centrifugal Foundry has over 45 years of experience and offers HSLA steel material in several grades with additional processing capabilities.
We have skilled engineers who can answer any questions you may have about HSLA steel and our in-house heat treating and CNC machining processes.
Our Customers and the Industries we Serve
In-depth Questions on Structural and Infrastructure Applications
In-depth Questions on Automotive and Transportation Applications
In-depth Questions on Aerospace and Defense Applications
In-depth Questions on Machining and Fabrication Requirements
Enhancing HSLA Steel for a Better Part
Achieving an Ideal Surface Finish in Centrifugal Casting: Balancing Performance, Durability, and Cost
In-depth Questions on Performance Characteristics (Fatigue, Corrosion, Strength, Cold Weather)
Case Study on Submarine Accumulators
Enhancing HSLA Steel for a Better Part
In-depth Questions on Certifications, Standards, and Technical Documentation
Which Casting Method is Best for Your Part?
The Role of Metal Inspection in Ensuring Reliable Centrifugal Castings
In-depth Questions on Custom Alloys, OEM Solutions, and Flexibility
Enhancing HSLA Steel for a Better Part
Why “Good Enough” Materials Often Aren’t: A Smarter Approach to Alloy Selection
In-depth Questions on Delivery, Turnaround, and Supply Chain Reliability
The Hidden Infrastructure That Keeps Casting Projects on Track
Managing Metal Costs & Lead Time Volatility: Strategies in a Tariff-Driven Market
Innovation and Metallurgy Leadership
Why “Good Enough” Materials Often Aren’t: A Smarter Approach to Alloy Selection
The Role of Metal Inspection in Ensuring Reliable Centrifugal Castings
Sustainability and Low-Carbon Production
Centrifugal Casting: Why It’s the Greenest Way To Make Metal Parts
Why Centrifugal Casting is the Right Choice When Metals Are Scarce
Marine and Offshore Applications
Case Study on Submarine Accumulators | How Spuncast Slashed Accumulator Production Costs by 20% for US Navy Submarines
The Unmatched Benefits of Centrifugally Cast Aftermarket Parts
Energy and Renewable Applications
Which Casting Method is Best for Your Part?
Achieving an Ideal Surface Finish in Centrifugal Casting: Balancing Performance, Durability, and Cost
Take Spuncast’s HSLA Challenge
We’re up to the challenge of meeting your specs and beating the competition on overall costs.
Send us the specs on a current parts project you've been running or a new one you need to be filled. We’ll provide a quote and full metallurgical make-up to show how we can produce a stronger, more cost-effective tube.
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