AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400)
AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400)
Written by AZoM Sep 13 2012
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Forming
Welding
Heat Treatment
Forging
Hot Working
Cold Working
Annealing
Tempering
Hardening
Introduction
Alloy steels are designated by AISI fourdigit numbers. They comprise different kinds of
steels having composition exceeding the limitations of B, C, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Cr, and Va set
for carbon steels.
AISI 4140 alloy steel is chromium, molybdenum, manganese containing low alloy steel. It
has high fatigue strength, abrasion and impact resistance, toughness, and torsional
strength. The following datasheet gives an overview of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
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AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400)
Element Content (%)
Iron, Fe 96.785 97.77
Chromium, Cr 0.80 1.10
Manganese, Mn 0.75 1.0
Carbon, C 0.380 0.430
Silicon, Si 0.15 0.30
Molybdenum, Mo 0.15 0.25
Sulfur, S 0.040
Phosphorous, P 0.035
Physical Properties
The physical properties of AISI 4140 alloy steel are highlighted in the following table.
Properties Metric Imperial
Density 7.85 g/cm3 0.284 lb/in³
Melting point 1416°C 2580°F
Mechanical Properties
The following table outlines the mechanical properties of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
Properties Metric Imperial
655
Tensile strength 95000 psi
MPa
415
Yield strength 60200 psi
MPa
140
Bulk modulus (typical for steel) 20300 ksi
GPa
Shear modulus (typical for steel) 80 GPa 11600 ksi
190
27557
Elastic modulus 210
30458 ksi
GPa
0.27
Poisson's ratio 0.270.30
0.30
Elongation at break (in 50 mm) 25.70% 25.70%
Hardness, Brinell 197 197
Hardness, Knoop (converted from Brinell hardness) 219 219
Hardness, Rockwell B (converted from Brinell hardness) 92 92
Hardness, Rockwell C (converted from Brinell hardness. Value below
13 13
normal HRC range, for comparison purposes only)
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AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400)
Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness) 207 207
Machinability (based on AISI 1212 as 100 machinability) 65 65
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of AISI 4140 alloy steel are given in the following table.
Properties Metric Imperial
Thermal expansion coefficient (@ 0100°C/32212°F) 12.2 µm/m°C 6.78 µin/in°F
Thermal conductivity (@ 100°C) 42.6 W/mK 296 BTU in/hr.ft².°F
Other Designations
Other designations equivalent to AISI 4140 alloy steel are listed in the following table.
AMS 6349 ASTM A193 (B7, B7M) ASTM A506 (4140) ASTM A752 (4140)
AMS 6381 ASTM A194 (7, 7M) ASTM A513 ASTM A829
AMS 6382 ASTM A29 (4140) ASTM A513 (4140) SAE J1397 (4140)
AMS 6390 ASTM A320 (L7, L7M, L7D) ASTM A519 (4140) SAE J404 (4140)
AMS 6395 ASTM A322 (4140) ASTM A646 (4140) SAE J412 (4140)
AMS 6529 ASTM A331 (4140) ASTM A711
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
AISI 4140 alloy steel has good machinability in the annealed condition.
Forming
AISI 4140 alloy steel has high ductility. It can be formed using conventional techniques in
the annealed condition. It requires more pressure or force for forming because it is tougher
than plain carbon steels.
Welding
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be welded using all conventional techniques. However, the
mechanical properties of this steel will be affected if it is welded in the heat treated
condition, and post weld heat treatment should be performed.
Heat Treatment
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AISI 4140 Alloy Steel (UNS G41400)
AISI 4140 alloy steel is heated at 845°C (1550°F) followed by quenching in oil. Before
hardening, it can be normalized by heating at 913°C (1675°F) for a long period of time
followed by air cooling.
Forging
AISI 4140 alloy steel is forged at 926 to 1205°C (1700 to 2200°F)
Hot Working
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be hot worked at 816 to 1038°C (1500 to 1900°F)
Cold Working
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be cold worked using conventional methods in the annealed
condition.
Annealing
AISI 4140 alloy steel is annealed at 872°C (1600°F) followed by slowly cooling in the
furnace.
Tempering
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be tempered at 205 to 649°C (400 to 1200°F) depending upon
the desired hardness level. The hardness of the steel can be increased if it has lower
tempering temperature. For example, tensile strength of 225 ksi cab be achieved by
tempering at 316°C (600°F), and a tensile strength of 130 ksi can be achieved by
tempering at 538°C (1000°F).
Hardening
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be hardened by cold working, or heating and quenching.
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