In the heat treatment industry, the performance of forklift trays directly affects production efficiency, workpiece quality, and operational costs. As a core component for loading, unloading, and transporting workpieces in high-temperature furnaces (such as trolley furnaces, pit furnaces, and box furnaces), heat-resistant steel trays must withstand extreme conditions-long-term exposure to high temperatures, frequent thermal cycles, and heavy loads. Among numerous heat-resistant materials, ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 (often referred to as ZG40Cr25Ni20Si2 or 2520Si2) stands out as the preferred material for high-end heat treatment forklift trays, and its unique advantages are closely linked to its material properties and industry application needs.
1. What Is ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 Heat-Resistant Cast Steel?
ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 is a high-chromium-nickel austenitic heat-resistant cast steel, complying with the national standard GB/T 8492. It corresponds to the American standard HK40 and the Japanese standard SCH22, and is known as the cast version of 310S stainless steel. Its chemical composition (wt%) is strictly controlled: C 0.2–0.4, Cr 24–27, Ni 18–21, Si 1.5–2.5, with the remainder being iron. This unique composition forms a stable austenitic structure reinforced by Cr₂₃C₆ carbides, laying the foundation for its excellent high-temperature performance.
2. Core Performance Advantages of ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 Trays
For heat treatment forklift trays, high-temperature resistance, structural stability, and service life are the three core requirements-and ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 excels in all three aspects:
Superior High-Temperature Resistance: It can be used long-term at 1050–1150℃ and temporarily at 1200℃ without softening, deformation, or collapse, fully adapting to the working environment of high-temperature heat treatment processes such as quenching, annealing, and carburizing.
Strong High-Temperature Strength & Creep Resistance: At 1100℃, its yield strength remains at least 85% of that at room temperature, effectively resisting creep and deformation under long-term heavy loads, ensuring the tray maintains its shape and load-bearing capacity.
Excellent Oxidation & Carburization Resistance: The high chromium (Cr) content forms a dense Cr₂O₃ oxide film on the surface, and the addition of silicon (Si) forms a composite Cr₂O₃+SiO₂ film, which is not easy to peel off or slag off. In carburizing furnaces or protective atmosphere furnaces, it can avoid embrittlement and cracking caused by carburization.
Good Thermal Fatigue Resistance: It can withstand frequent thermal cycles (rapid heating and cooling) without cracking, adapting to the frequent loading and unloading of workpieces and the alternating cold and hot working conditions of the furnace.
3. Industry Pain Points Solved by ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 Trays
In practical production, many enterprises face troubles caused by inferior heat-resistant trays: ordinary carbon steel trays deform and crack after a few uses at high temperatures; low-grade heat-resistant steel trays are prone to oxidation peeling, polluting workpieces; and frequent replacement of trays increases production costs and reduces efficiency. ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 trays perfectly solve these pain points:
Long Service Life: Under normal working conditions, the service life is 1–3 years; even under heavy load or frequent carburizing conditions, it can be used for 1–1.5 years, reducing the frequency of tray replacement and maintenance costs.
Stable Performance: No deformation, no cracking, no oxidation peeling, ensuring the surface quality of heat-treated workpieces (such as shafts, gears, forgings, and standard parts) is not affected.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although the initial investment is higher than that of ordinary materials, the long service life and stable performance greatly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the long term, bringing greater economic benefits to enterprises.
4. Market Trends of Heat-Resistant Steel Trays
With the continuous development of the global heat treatment industry, the demand for high-performance heat-resistant trays is growing steadily. According to market research, the global heat treatment tray market is expected to maintain steady growth from 2021 to 2032, with high-chromium-nickel austenitic heat-resistant steel trays (represented by ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2) becoming the mainstream due to their excellent performance. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment have higher and higher requirements for workpiece heat treatment quality, which further promotes the popularization and application of high-end heat-resistant steel trays.
Our Solution: ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 Heat-Resistant Steel Forklift Trays for Your Heat Treatment Needs
As a professional manufacturer of heat-resistant steel products, we focus on the R&D, production, and customization of ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 heat treatment forklift trays, committed to providing reliable and efficient solutions for global heat treatment enterprises. We deeply understand the pain points of your production and integrate industry experience into every detail of our products.
Why Choose Us?
Guaranteed Material Quality: We strictly select ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 raw materials, with complete chemical composition testing reports, to ensure that each tray meets the national standard GB/T 8492 and international standards (HK40, SCH22), and never use inferior materials to cut corners.
Professional Customization Capability: According to your furnace mouth size, forklift fork distance, workpiece weight, and heat treatment process, we provide one-stop customization services. The tray structure (grid/hollow design + reinforcing ribs + forklift fork holes) is optimized by professional engineers to ensure maximum load-bearing capacity and structural stability. Common customized sizes include 800×800mm, 1000×1000mm, 1200×1200mm, with thickness ranging from 50–80mm, and light, medium, and heavy load designs (light ≤500kg, medium 500–1500kg, heavy ≥1500kg).
Advanced Production Process: Adopting lost foam/sand casting technology, combined with shot blasting and deburring treatment, the tray surface is smooth, free of burrs, and has good wear resistance. The overall casting process ensures the integrity of the tray, avoiding structural defects caused by welding.
Comprehensive Service Support: From pre-sales consultation (material selection, size design) to after-sales maintenance (usage guidance, maintenance suggestions), our professional team provides 24/7 service. We also provide timely updates on nickel price fluctuations, helping you control procurement costs.
Cost-Effective Pricing: With direct factory supply, we eliminate intermediate links, providing competitive pricing (about 18–25 USD/kg, subject to nickel price fluctuations in 2026) while ensuring product quality, helping you reduce procurement costs and improve market competitiveness.
Application Scenarios
Our ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 heat-resistant steel forklift trays are widely used in various heat treatment scenarios, including trolley furnaces, pit furnaces, box furnaces, continuous furnaces, and are suitable for quenching, annealing, normalizing, carburizing, nitriding, brazing and other processes. They are ideal for batch processing of small and medium-sized workpieces such as shafts, gears, forgings, castings, and standard parts.
Partner With Us to Elevate Your Heat Treatment Efficiency & Reduce Costs
In the fiercely competitive heat treatment industry, choosing the right heat-resistant tray is not just a purchase-it's an investment in your production efficiency, workpiece quality, and long-term profitability. Our ZG2Cr25Ni20Si2 heat-resistant steel forklift trays, backed by superior material performance, professional customization, and reliable 24/7 service, are designed to be your most trusted production partner, helping you stay ahead of the competition.
Take the first step toward more efficient, cost-effective heat treatment-contact us today! Simply share your specific needs (furnace size, load-bearing requirements, process parameters), and our professional team will quickly provide you with a personalized solution and detailed quotation. Let's join hands to optimize your production process and create greater value for your business!
Email: Hongsheng@hsmachineryparts.com
