View Sample Alloy Digest Data Sheet (PDF)Since 1952, Alloy Digest has been the leading reference for materials property data on metals and alloys used throughout the world. Featuring graphs, charts and tables, these sheets give facts and figures on composition or characterization, physical and mechanical properties, heat treatment, and machinability.SAE 1046 can be used in a variety of conditions: hot rolled, annealed, normalized, oil quenched and tempered, water quenched and tempered or austempered. It is a general-purpose construction and machinery steel. It furnishes medium strength and toughness at a low cost. It is frequently used for flame or induction-hardened parts. Its many uses include axles, bolts, pins, shafts and forgings.