42CrMoS4
1.7227Free-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.
International equivalents
| Flag | Standard | Country | Grade | Number | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 | AISI | USA | AISI 4140 (S-version) | — | REF |
| 🇪🇺 | EN | Europe | 42CrMoS4 | 1.7227 | 100% |
| 🇪🇺 | EN | Europe | 42CrMo4 (base grade) | 1.7225 | 95% |
Sources: ASTM A29, EN 10083-3:2006, EN 10083-3
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: 42CrMoS4 (EN) (EN 10083-3:2006) vs 42CrMo4 (base grade) (EN) (EN 10083-3:2006)
| Element | 42CrMoS4 (EN) | 42CrMo4 (base grade) (EN) | 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 |
| S | 0.02–0.04% | 0.02–0.04% | OK |
| Cr | 0.9–1.2% | 0.9–1.2% | OK |
| Mo | 0.15–0.3% | 0.15–0.3% | OK |
Mechanical properties
QT
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 900–1100 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 650 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 12 | % |
| Hardness HRC | 28–34 | HRC |
| Elastic Modulus | ≥ 210 | GPa |
| Density | ≥ 7.85 | g/cm3 |
Heat treatment
| Process | Temperature | Medium | Holding Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quenching | 820–860 °C | oil | min 30 min | Same heat treatment as 42CrMo4 |
| tempering | 540–680 °C | air | min 60 min | — |
| annealing | 680–720 °C | furnace | Several hours | — |
Compatibility verdict
42CrMoS4 and 42CrMo4 (base grade): 95% composition match
Close equivalents but NOT identical.
Related materials
50CrV4
1.8160Chromium-vanadium spring/tool steel — identical alloy system to 51CrV4 (1.8159) but recognized as a separate grade in some standards. Dual use: heavy-duty springs (EN 10089) AND cold work tools (knives, shear blades). V improves temper resistance and grain refinement. UTS 1200-1500 QT. Used for heavy leaf springs, stabilizer bars, torsion bars, and cold work cutting tools.
51CrMoV4
1.7701CrMoV alloyed spring steel — THE European automotive suspension spring material. CrMo gives deep hardenability for large coil springs, V adds grain refinement and secondary hardening for fatigue resistance. UTS 1350-1600 MPa QT. Used for hot-formed coil springs (cars, trucks), leaf springs, torsion bars, and stabilizer bars. Excellent sag resistance to 200°C.
20MnCr5
1.7147Manganese-chromium case-hardening steel with higher core strength than 16MnCr5. Used for heavily loaded gears, shafts, camshafts, and transmission components requiring high surface hardness with tough core. Popular in automotive and heavy machinery.
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