CHROMIUM.
Chromium is an indispensable constituent in modern high speed steel, and does not make a poor high speed steel, even when used alone. The chief effect which chromium produces in high speed steels is undoubtedly that of "hardening". However, chromium, like carbon, will produce brittleness, if added in too large quantities, although if kept down to between 2 to 5% it seems to allow the lowering of the carbon element, while at the same time maintaining the desired hardening effect, without causing undue brittleness. The great hardness in the face of an armor plate, and the great toughness in the back of the plate, also the superb properties in the projectile which attempts to pierce the plate, can all be induced in chromium steels to a degree unattainable by the use of any other single element.
As a simple chromium steel the product may be used in five-ply plates for the manufacture of safes. These plates are made of five alternate layers, two of chrome steel and three of soft steel, and after having been hardened, offer resistance to the drilling tools employed by burglars. Hardened chromium rolls are manufactured for use in cold-rolling metals. Files, ball and roller-bearings are other noted products of this type of steel. It is the essential constituent of those steels which neither rust nor tarnish.