Manganese when added in steel between 1.0 to 1.5% makes it stronger and tougher. Manganese between 1.5 to 5% in steel makes it harder and more brittle. 11 to 14% manganese in steel with carbon 0.8 to 1.5% makes it very hard, tough, non-magnetic and possesses considerably high tensile strength. Manganese steel may be forged easily but it is difficult to machine and hence it is usually ground. It is weldable and for welding it, a nickel manganese welding rod is used.
Applications
- Because of work hardening, it is suitable for jaws of stone and ore crushers, grinding plants, tramway and railway points and crossing etc.
- Manganese steel in the form of bars is now widely used for screening coke.
- It is also used for helmets and shields.
- It is used for agricultural implements such as shovels etc.