Effect of Quenching Media on the Strength of AISI 1045 Steel Applied to Chain Sprockets: Impact Test Method

Abstract

A chain sprocket is a geared wheel attached to a chain, track, or other long geared object made of AISI 1045 steel, which is subjected to friction and pressure in its application. Each steel has different characteristics, such as physical, mechanical, and chemical properties; therefore, it needs a special handling which is expected to have a longer life from the design, then the wear resistance of the material can be done through heat treatment by hardening followed by a quenching process using oil, salt solution and water aimed at increasing resistance to friction and pressure. The results of the impact test on AISI 1045 steel (original) have shown an average of 10.24 joules while the steel by hardening and quenching with various media has proved to show a higher average value, for instance, the AISI 1045 steel by oil, its value is 53.35 joules, by salt solution 69.02 joules, and by water 91.60 joules. Meanwhile, the average impact strength of AISI 1045 steel (original) is 0.128 J/mm2, 0.665 J/mm2 by oil, 0.862 J/mm2 by salt solution, and 1.144 J/mm2 by water. Keywords: Sprocket chains, AISI 1045 steel, hardening, quenching