Some customers ask for the differences about the two alloy structural steel: 35CrMo vs 4130. These materials are key in various engineering and manufacturing industries,  especially in the aerospace, automotive, and oil industry sectors. If you’re looking for high-quality alloy steel or you’re a distributor who wants to add a new type of alloy steel inventory, it helps and important to know the difference. We believe this post helps to find a reliable supplier, and explore their standard chemical compositions and heat treatment parameters.

35CrMo vs 4130 alloy steel

What is 35CrMo?

GB 35CrMo is an alloy structural steel, formulated primarily with chromium, molybdenum, and manganese. The chemical composition of 35CrMo offers a balance of strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance, and makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications. The grade 35CrMo is under Chinese GB/T 3077 standard.

What is 4130?

AISI / SAE 4130 steel, also known as Chromium-Molybdenum Steel, is a low-alloy steel known for its versatility and strength. It contains similar elements to 35CrMo but follows the American AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) standard. With good weldability, 4130 steel is widely used in numerous applications, from aircraft components to sporting goods.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing 35CrMo and 4130, it’s essential to check their chemical composition, mechanical properties, applications, and availability:

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition makes the properties of each steel grade material different. Below is the detailed chemical composition of 35CrMo vs 4130 alloy steel:

Element 35CrMo (%) 4130 (%)
Carbon (C) 0.32-0.40 0.28-0.33
Chromium (Cr) 0.80-1.10 0.80-1.10
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.15-0.25 0.15-0.25
Manganese (Mn) 0.40-0.70 0.40-0.60
Silicon (Si) 0.17-0.37 0.15-0.35
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.035 ≤0.035
Sulfur (S) ≤0.035 ≤0.040

Mechanical Properties

Both 35CrMo and 4130 are known for their high tensile strength and toughness. However, 35CrMo generally offers a bit more hardness due to its higher carbon content. Higher carbon also makes slightly better for impact resistance applications.

Applications

  • 35CrMo is often used in the manufacture of heavy-duty vehicles, crankshafts, gears, and shafts, where high strength and toughness are requisite.
  • 4130, with its excellent weldability, also widely used in those applications, including aircraft frames, automotive parts, and even in bicycle frames for its balance of strength and weight.

Availability and Supplier Reliability

It’s important to find a reliable supplier for these materials. Not all suppliers can provide the same quality or support, especially when specific treatments or specifications are needed. Otai Special Steel, with its commitment to quality and extensive inventory, stands as reliability in the supply of both 35CrMo and 4130 steels.

Conclusion

While 35CrMo and 4130 share many characteristics, the choice between them depends on specific application requirements and personal preferences. Whether you need steel for high-strength applications or value versatility and weldability, it’s essential to work with one reliable supplier who can offer high-quality materials and expert guidance.

For more information or to send inquiries, feel free to contact Otai Special Steel at jeremy@otaisteel.com or connect with us directly via WhatsApp at +8613610149979. Let us help you make the best choice for your steel needs.

FAQs

Q: Can 4130 steel be welded? A: Yes, 4130 is known for its excellent weldability compared to other alloy steels.

Q: What industries commonly use 35CrMo? A: Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing commonly use 35CrMo for parts.

Q: Is 35CrMo suitable for high-temperature applications? A: Yes, 35CrMo maintains its strength and toughness at higher temperatures.

Q: How does the cost of 35CrMo compare to 4130? A: The cost can vary depending on the supplier and the current market conditions. The price is close, but 35CrMo will be lightly lower than 4130. However, the availability also a

Q: Can I get custom sizes of 4130 or 35CrMo from Otai Special Steel? A: Absolutely! Otai Special Steel offers customization options for both 35CrMo and 4130 steel to meet your specific requirements, we can cut to size, machine to tolerance as per given spec.