42CrMoS4 vs 42CrMo4: Identical except sulfur content for machinability
42CrMoS4 vs 42CrMo4
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
42CrMoS4
1.7227
Free-cutting variant of 42CrMo4 with controlled sulfur content (0.020-0.040%). Improved machinability while maintaining essentially the same mechanical properties. Used for high-volume CNC machined components: gears, shafts, bolts, and automotive parts.
42CrMo4
1.7225
High-strength quenched and tempered chromium-molybdenum steel. Widely used for shafts, gears, crankshafts, connecting rods, and high-strength bolts. Excellent hardenability and good fatigue resistance.
| 42CrMoS4 | 42CrMo4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.7227 | 1.7225 |
| Category | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-3 | EN 10083-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 42CrMoS4 | 42CrMo4 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.38–0.45% | 0.38–0.45% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.6–0.9% | 0.6–0.9% | OK |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 42CrMoS4 | 42CrMo4 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 900–1100 | 900–1100 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 650 | ≥ 650 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 12 | ≥ 12 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
42CrMoS4 has controlled S: 0.020-0.040% vs 42CrMo4 max 0.035%. This improves machinability ~20% with minimal impact on mechanical properties. Choose S-variant for high-volume CNC production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 42CrMoS4 the same as 42CrMo4?
42CrMoS4 and 42CrMo4 have a 97% composition overlap. Identical except sulfur content for machinability
Can I replace 42CrMoS4 with 42CrMo4?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (97%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 42CrMoS4 and 42CrMo4?
The main differences are in the following elements: S. 42CrMoS4 is a Alloy Steel grade, while 42CrMo4 is a Alloy Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.