Know Why Manganese Is Widely Used As An Alloying Element

Manganese is derived from the Latin word ‘magnes’ which means magnet. The silvery-white metal is both hard and brittle. You will be surprised to know that manganese is the fifth most abundant metal on the earth’s crust. Though the physical and chemical properties of manganese are similar to iron, the former is harder and more brittle. Manganese used during the casting process is derived through electrolysis of manganese sulphate. You will be surprised to know that 95% of manganese created is used as alloys to produce iron and steel.

Properties Of Manganese Alloys

Few common types of manganese alloys are high manganese alloys, ferro manganese alloys, nickel manganese alloys and copper manganese alloys. It is the most flexible element for copper alloys. If you are willing to improve the castability and mechanical strength of copper, de-oxidise the alloy and add manganese in small quantity. Few common properties offered by high manganese alloys are ductility, strain hardening, strength level parameters and formability.

Benefit Of Manganese Steel Casting

Manganese is a very vital alloying agent widely used by numerous manganese steel casting manufacturers in West Bengal. When used with steel, manganese helps in improving its hardenability, strength, toughness, wear resistance, hardness, stiffness, rolling and forging qualities. Though steel can rust in a moist atmosphere, manganese steel has good corrosion resistance properties which make the metal rust-free. It even guarantees wear and tear and makes them durable.

It is widely used in the mining industry for its good self-hardening properties. Rock crushers, elevator, shovel buckets, elevator, cement mixers, and crawler treads for tractors are few things manufactured using manganese steel casting. It is used to make crossings and switches in the rail industry. It also used to make window bars in prisons. Due to its lightweight, they can also be used to make bullet-proof cabinets, anti-drill plates and safes.

Few Reasons To Use Manganese As An Alloying Element

• Unlike other alloying elements, manganese don’t separate easily.
• Considered to be one of the most active de-oxidisers.
• Integrate with sulphur to form a soft inclusion in the steel and improves its machinability.
• Integrate with sulphur in the steel and prevent the formation of iron pyrite which can crack or break the steel during high temperature rolling processes.
• Improves hardenability and tensile strength and reduce ductility.