4130 steel plate is a highly versatile and widely utilized chromium-molybdenum (CrMo) alloy steel. It is classified as a low-alloy steel, renowned for its excellent combination of strength, toughness, weldability, and fatigue resistance, particularly when supplied in a normalized or quenched and tempered condition.
Key Characteristics of 4130 Steel Plate
- Composition: Primarily iron, with nominal additions of 0.28-0.33% carbon, 0.80-1.10% chromium, and 0.15-0.25% molybdenum. These alloying elements contribute significantly to its desirable mechanical properties.
- Strength: 4130 steel exhibits good tensile and yield strength. In an annealed state, it typically shows an ultimate tensile strength around 80-90 KSI (550-620 MPa) and a yield strength of approximately 50-60 KSI (345-415 MPa). These values can be substantially increased through heat treatment.
- Weldability: One of the standout features of 4130 steel is its excellent weldability using common commercial methods, including TIG and MIG welding. Pre-heating and post-weld stress relief are often recommended for optimal results, especially in thicker sections or critical applications.
- Hardenability: It responds well to heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering, allowing for a wide range of achievable hardness and strength levels. This makes it adaptable to diverse application requirements.
- Toughness: Offers good impact resistance and ductility, particularly when properly heat-treated.
- Machinability: Can be readily machined, especially in the annealed or normalized condition.
Common Applications
The favorable properties of 4130 steel plate make it suitable for numerous demanding applications across various industries:
- Aerospace: Aircraft engine mounts, landing gear components, fuselage frames, and structural tubing.
- Automotive: Racing car chassis, roll cages, suspension components, and crankshafts.
- Oil and Gas: Valves, fittings, and other components requiring good strength and weldability.
- Cycling: High-performance bicycle frames.
- Tooling and Fasteners: Jigs, fixtures, and high-strength bolts.
Many fabricators prefer 4130 due to its reliability in these critical applications. Sourcing quality material is key, and suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company play a role in providing certified 4130 plates to meet stringent industry standards.
Selecting the Best 4130 Steel Plate
When choosing 4130 steel plate for your project, consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance:
- Specification Compliance: Ensure the plate conforms to relevant industry standards, such as ASTM A829 (for structural quality plates) or AMS 6350/6348 (for aerospace applications). Reputable suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company typically provide material test reports (MTRs) detailing chemical composition and mechanical properties.
- Heat Treatment Condition: The plate can be supplied in various conditions:
- Annealed: For maximum softness and machinability.
- Normalized: To refine grain structure and improve toughness and machinability over as-rolled.
- Quenched and Tempered (Q&T): For specific hardness and strength requirements.
The choice depends on the end-use and subsequent processing.
- Dimensional Tolerances and Flatness: Verify that the plate meets the required thickness, width, length, and flatness tolerances for your application.
- Surface Quality: Depending on the application, surface finish and the absence of defects like scale or pitting might be critical.
- Supplier Reputation and Traceability: Partnering with a reliable supplier ensures material consistency, quality, and complete traceability. Companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company are known for their commitment to quality control in alloy steel products. For demanding projects, sourcing from established stockholders or mills such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company or other specialized steel providers is recommended to guarantee adherence to specifications. It’s always wise to discuss specific requirements with your material provider, whether it’s Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company or another specialist, to ensure the 4130 plate meets all engineering demands.
