Alloy steel AISI 4130 (chromium-molybdenum) 4130 (UNS G41300)

Fe balance

Also known as UNS G41300, AISI 4130, SAE 4130, SAE J404, SAE J412, SAE J770 · 25 more

AISI 4130 is a low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel (UNS G41300) that is widely used for aircraft tube, sheet and bar and for oil and gas parts.

13 sources · Updated 2026-10-24 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Fe balance (the rest)Iron
  • C 0.28 to 0.33%Carbon
  • Mn 0.4 to 0.6%Manganese
  • Si 0.15 to 0.35%Silicon
  • Cr 0.8 to 1.1%Chromium
  • Mo 0.15 to 0.25%Molybdenum
  • P max 0.035Phosphorus
  • S max 0.040Sulfur

Best for

Aircraft and motorsport tube, sheet and bar, and oil and gas parts, where weldability and strength after heat treatment both matter

Weakest at

Hydrogen gas and salt solutions: in one laboratory study the threshold stress intensity fell from 88 to 32 MPa√m as hydrogen pressure rose from 21 to 69 MPa, and salt solution cut corrosion-fatigue life

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Element data only, no alloy SDS read
  • If it fails High. Hydrogen embrittlement under static load
  • Corrosion Severe. Salt solution cut the fatigue life of AISI 4130 at every strength level tested, from 837 to 1846 MPa.

Quick facts: 4130 (UNS G41300)

Key properties of 4130 (UNS G41300)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.85 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength435 to 1,330 MPa6 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength655 to 1,600 MPa6 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus205 GPa1 sourced value
Hardness (Brinell)29 to 197 HB2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity30.1 to 42.7 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)3.44 ppm/K1 sourced value
Melting point1,432 °C1 sourced value
Specific heat477 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity2.2e-7 Ω·m1 sourced value

What is the density of Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the thermal conductivity of Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 has a thermal conductivity of 30.1 to 42.7 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.44 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the melting point of Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 has a melting point of 1,432 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 has a yield strength of 435 to 1,330 MPa. The range covers 6 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Alloy steel AISI 4130?

Alloy steel AISI 4130 is also written as UNS G41300, AISI 4130, SAE 4130, SAE J404, SAE J412, SAE J770. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Alloy steel AISI 4130 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Solid rocket booster case; Aircraft tube, sheet and bar for military and commercial aircraft; Oil and gas wellhead and Christmas tree parts.

Why it exists

AISI 4130 (UNS G41300) is a low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel that aircraft and motorsport builders, oil and gas makers and NASA's heritage list use. Aircraft Materials cites its weldability and ease of fabrication, and Titanium Industries cites good strength, toughness and weldability. Its numbers depend on the heat treatment, so every value in this profile carries its own condition. Hydrogen gas and salt solutions are its weak points, both in laboratory tests.

Where it's used

Rocket motors and launch vehicles

NASA's heritage list for launch vehicles names 4130 as a solid rocket booster case material, alongside D6AC and maraging steel.

Aircraft tube, sheet and bar

Aircraft Materials lists 4130 tube to AMS 6371, bar to AMS 6346 and sheet to AMS 6350 for military and commercial aircraft.

Oil and gas parts

Quenched and tempered 4130 round bar goes into oil and gas drilling and production parts, such as wellhead and Christmas tree parts (Material Welding).

Recipe

Fe balance; 0.28 to 0.33 C, 0.40 to 0.60 Mn, 0.15 to 0.35 Si, 0.80 to 1.10 Cr, 0.15 to 0.25 Mo, 0.035 max P, 0.040 max S (wt%, allowable ranges printed in Table 1.1.1 of the Sandia reference)

AISI 4130 is an iron-based, low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel, not a stainless steel. Table 1.1.1 of the Sandia reference gives its allowable ranges as 0.28 to 0.33 carbon, 0.40 to 0.60 manganese, 0.15 to 0.35 silicon, 0.80 to 1.10 chromium and 0.15 to 0.25 molybdenum (wt%), with phosphorus at 0.035 max and sulfur at 0.040 max. Aircraft Materials says bar is vacuum degassed to meet magnetic particle inspection standards. Its strength comes from heat treatment (normalising, annealing, or quenching and tempering).

What 4130 (UNS G41300) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The matrix of the steel; heat treatment turns its structure from austenite to martensite and then to tempered martensite, or to ferrite and carbide when normalised or annealed.
Carbon C 0.28 to 0.33% Sets how hard the steel can become when quenched; medium carbon gives the strength range.
Manganese Mn 0.4 to 0.6% Deoxidiser and hardenability aid.
Silicon Si 0.15 to 0.35% Deoxidiser.
Chromium Cr 0.8 to 1.1% Adds hardenability and some corrosion resistance; the grade is still a low-alloy steel.
Molybdenum Mo 0.15 to 0.25% Adds hardenability and strength at temperature.
Phosphorus P max 0.035 Impurity held low.
Sulfur S max 0.040 Impurity held low.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength

Quenched and tempered with a temper at about 635 C, the Sandia heat treatment gives 635 MPa yield strength and 820 MPa tensile strength, with 67 percent reduction of area.

Normalised

Normalised at 870 C, the MatWeb record gives 670 MPa tensile strength, 435 MPa yield strength, 25.5 percent elongation in 50 mm and 197 HB.

Hardness

Round bar usually supplied quenched and tempered sits at 18 to 22 HRC (Material Welding).

Stiffness

The modulus of elasticity is 205 GPa, marked typical for steel (MatWeb).

Weldability

Material Welding says it welds well when preheat, interpass temperature and post-weld heat treatment are controlled; Titanium Industries cites good weldability.

How it compares

No source read in this run compares AISI 4130 with AISI 4140 head to head. The Sandia report prints both grades in the same tables, but their heat treatments differ, so the 4130 and 4140 rows cannot be read as a like-for-like comparison, and no 4140 value is used in this file. To compare the two, first match the heat-treatment condition, then compare the yield strength, elastic modulus and density rows below.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement4130 (UNS G41300)A36 (UNS K02600)1018 (UNS G10180, AISI 1018)1045 (UNS G10450, AISI 1045)1215 (UNS G12150, AISI 1215)4140 (UNS G41400)1010 (UNS G10100, AISI 1010)1070 (UNS G10700, AISI 1070, SAE 1070)4340 (UNS G43400)
Capacity and energy
Izod impact energy87 J23no datano datano datano data> 42 Jno datano data> 35 J
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity at 100 C (212 F)42.7 W/m-K25no data51.9 W/m-Kno data51.9 W/m-K42.6 W/mK64.21 W/(m∙°C)50 W/(m·K)no data
Thermal conductivity at 1200 C (2190 F)30.1 W/m-K26no data51.9 W/m-Kno data51.9 W/m-K42.6 W/mK64.21 W/(m∙°C)50 W/(m·K)no data
Specific heat capacity at 100 C or above0.477 J/g-°C27no data0.486 J/g-°Cno data0.472 J/g-°C0.473 J/gK450 J/(kg·K)470 J/(kg·K)no data
Melting point2610 F36no data1480 to 1526 °Cno datano datano datano datano datano data
Physical and electrical
Hardness, Brinell, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)197 HB17no datano datano data167 HB269 to 331 HBno data192 HB248 to 302 HB
Density7.85 g/cc187.8 g/cm³7.87 g/ccno data7.87 g/cc7.85 g/cc7.9 g/cm³7.7 g/cm³7.7 to 8.03 g/cm³
Electrical resistivity at 20 C, hardened and tempered specimen2.23×10^-5 ohm-cm280.142 μΩ·m1.59×10^-5 ohm-cmno data1.74×10^-5 ohm-cmno datano datano datano data
Hardness, annealed bar (AMS 6370), maximum< 29 HB33no datano datano data167 HB269 to 331 HBno data192 HB248 to 302 HB
Hardness, annealed sheet (AMS 6350), maximum< 25 HRC34no datano datano datano datano datano datano data24 to 38 HRC
Hardness, round bar as usually supplied (quenched and tempered)18 to 22 HRC35no datano datano datano datano datano datano data24 to 38 HRC
Electrical conductivity7.73 % IACS38no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Other measurements
Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, temper about 635 CTable 1.1.3 as printed, Su column820 MPa158 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, temper about 635 C635 MPa2> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Reduction of area, quenched and tempered, temper about 635 CTable 1.1.3 as printed, RA column67 %no data40 %no data35 %46.8 %no data30 %no data
Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, lower strength level1050 MPa3> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, lower strength level1140 MPa458 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, high strength level1330 MPa5> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, high strength level1600 MPa658 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 21 MPa H2Table 3.2.2.1 as printed, 4130 [8] row88 MPa√m7no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 41 MPa H2Table 3.2.2.1 as printed, 4130 [8] row68 MPa√m8no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 62 MPa H2Table 3.2.2.1 as printed, 4130 [8] row45 MPa√m9no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 69 MPa H2Table 3.2.2.1 as printed, 4130 [8] row32 MPa√m10no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 97 MPa H252 MPa√m11no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Fracture toughness KIc, quenched and tempered, temper about 635 C125 MPa√m12no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Tensile strength, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)670 MPa1358 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)435 MPa14> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Elongation at break, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)25.5 %15> 21 %15 %> 8 %10 %> 12 %30 %> 10 %> 13 %
Reduction of area, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)60 %16no data40 %no data35 %46.8 %no data30 %no data
Modulus of elasticity205 GPa19200 GPa200 GPa190 to 210 GPa200 GPa205 GPa210 GPa190 GPa190 to 210 GPa
bulk modulus160 GPa20no datano datano data160 GPa160 GPano datano datano data
shear modulus80 GPa2179.3 GPa78 GPano data80 GPa80 GPano datano datano data
poissons ratio0.29 -220.26 -0.29 -no data0.29 -0.29 -no datano data0.27 to 0.3 -
Machinability rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)70 %24no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Tensile strength, hardened and tempered bar (AMS 6346), temper not stated125 ksi2958 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength, hardened and tempered bar (AMS 6346), temper not stated100 ksi30> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, cold drawn tube (AMS 6371)95 ksi3158 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa930 to 1080 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength, cold drawn tube (AMS 6371)70 ksi32> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa> 740 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Coefficient of thermal expansion (printed per degree F)6.2×10^-6 1/F37no datano datano data11.5 µm/m-°C12.2 ppm/Kno data11.8 10-6/°C11.5 ppm/K

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Aircraft and motorsport tube, sheet and bar, where weldability and strength after heat treatment matter (Aircraft Materials).
  • Oil and gas wellhead and Christmas tree parts in quenched and tempered round bar (Material Welding).
  • Forged valve bodies, pumps and machine tool components (Titanium Industries, Aircraft Materials).

Watch out for

  • Hydrogen gas: the threshold stress intensity of 4130 fell from 88 to 32 MPa√m between 21 and 69 MPa hydrogen (Sandia).
  • Salt solutions: every corrosion-fatigue specimen tested in aerated NaCl and CaCl2 solution failed in under 150,000 cycles (Georgia Tech thesis).
  • Welding without preheat, post-weld heat treatment or baked consumables risks hydrogen cracking (Material Welding).

AISI 4130 is a weldable, heat-treatable chromium-molybdenum steel for aircraft tube and sheet, oil and gas parts and machine parts. Its strength depends on heat treatment, so quote the condition with every value. Hydrogen and salt solutions are the watch points, and the hydrogen data come from laboratory tests, not field service.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSG41300
EN1.7218 (nearest equivalent)
EN name25CrMo4 (nearest equivalent)
AISI4130
SAE4130, J404, J412, J770
AFNOR25 CD 4
BSCDS 110
SS14 2225
ASTMA29 (grade 4130 (as printed)), A322, A331, A519
AMS6350, 6360, 6370, 6345, 6346, 6348, 6371, 6356, 6361, 6372, 6373
MILMIL-S-6758, MIL-S-18729, MIL-T-67366, MIL-S-16974
Trade nameChromoly

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, temper about 635 C—condition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1144 K (about 871 C) for 120 min, oil quench, temper 908 K (about 635 C) for 120 min, air coolstrength level row 4130 [8] of Table 1.1.3test test temperature and environment not stated in Table 1.1.3—
2Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, temper about 635 CTable 1.1.3 as printed, Sy column (Sy is the yield strength as the report names it)condition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1144 K (about 871 C) for 120 min, oil quench, temper 908 K (about 635 C) for 120 min, air coolstrength level row 4130 [8] of Table 1.1.3test test temperature and environment not stated in Table 1.1.3—
3Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, lower strength levelTable 1.1.3 as printed; the two strength levels share one heat-treatment cell, and Figure 3.2.2.1 spans 1050 to 1330 MPacondition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1116 K, water quench, temper between 523 K and 813 K (about 250 C to 540 C) for 120 minstrength level lower of the two Sy levels printed for 4130 [6, 7]test not stated in Table 1.1.3—
4Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, lower strength levelTable 1.1.3 as printed, Su column, paired with the first Sy valuecondition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1116 K, water quench, temper between 523 K and 813 K (about 250 C to 540 C) for 120 minstrength level lower of the two strength levels printed for 4130 [6, 7]test not stated in Table 1.1.3—
5Yield strength (Sy), quenched and tempered, high strength levelTable 1.1.3 as printed, second Sy value for 4130 [6, 7]condition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1116 K, water quench, temper between 523 K and 813 K (about 250 C to 540 C) for 120 minstrength level high strength level; Section 3.2.2 calls 1330 MPa high strengthtest not stated in Table 1.1.3—
6Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, high strength levelTable 1.1.3 as printed, second Su value for 4130 [6, 7]condition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1116 K, water quench, temper between 523 K and 813 K (about 250 C to 540 C) for 120 minstrength level high strength leveltest not stated in Table 1.1.3—
7Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 21 MPa H2—environment high-pressure hydrogen gas, 21 MPa H2temperature 286 K (about 13 C)heat treatment same reference and yield strength as the Table 1.1.3 row for 4130 [8]: austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 Kyield strength 635 MPa—
8Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 41 MPa H2—environment high-pressure hydrogen gas, 41 MPa H2temperature 286 K (about 13 C)heat treatment same reference and yield strength as the Table 1.1.3 row for 4130 [8]: austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 Kyield strength 635 MPa—
9Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 62 MPa H2—environment high-pressure hydrogen gas, 62 MPa H2temperature 286 K (about 13 C)heat treatment same reference and yield strength as the Table 1.1.3 row for 4130 [8]: austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 Kyield strength 635 MPa—
10Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 69 MPa H2—environment high-pressure hydrogen gas, 69 MPa H2temperature 286 K (about 13 C)heat treatment same reference and yield strength as the Table 1.1.3 row for 4130 [8]: austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 Kyield strength 635 MPa—
11Threshold stress-intensity factor KTH in hydrogen gas, 97 MPa H2Table 3.2.2.1 as printed, 4130 [8] row; this value is above the 69 MPa value, as printedenvironment high-pressure hydrogen gas, 97 MPa H2temperature 286 K (about 13 C)heat treatment same reference and yield strength as the Table 1.1.3 row for 4130 [8]: austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 Kyield strength 635 MPa—
12Fracture toughness KIc, quenched and tempered, temper about 635 CTable 1.1.3 as printed; the report footnote says not reported as standardised KIccondition quenched and tempered: austenitize 1144 K (about 871 C) for 120 min, oil quench, temper 908 K (about 635 C) for 120 min, air coolbasis KIc column of Table 1.1.3, row 4130 [8]Sandia footnote: not reported as a standardised KIc measurement.
13Tensile strength, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)MatWeb datasheet printout, Mechanical Properties rows, metric value as printedcondition normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title statestest test temperature not stated—
14Yield strength, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)MatWeb datasheet printout, Mechanical Properties rows, metric value as printedcondition normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title statestest test temperature not stated—
15Elongation at break, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)MatWeb datasheet printout, Mechanical Properties rows, value as printedcondition normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title statesgauge 50 mm, as printed—
16Reduction of area, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)MatWeb datasheet printout, Mechanical Properties rows, value as printedcondition normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title states—
17Hardness, Brinell, normalised at 870 C (1600 F)MatWeb datasheet printout, Brinell hardness row as printed (the other scales are converted by MatWeb)condition normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title states—
18DensityMatWeb physical properties row, metric value as printedbasis physical properties table; no temperature stated; record titled normalised at 870 C—
19Modulus of elasticityMatWeb mechanical properties row, metric value as printedbasis marked Typical for steel on the datasheet; no temperature stated—
20bulk modulusMatWeb mechanical properties row, metric value as printedbasis marked Typical for steel on the datasheet; no temperature stated—
21shear modulusMatWeb mechanical properties row, metric value as printedbasis marked Typical for steel on the datasheet; no temperature stated—
22poissons ratioMatWeb mechanical properties row, value as printed with the Calculated commentbasis marked Calculated on the datasheet; no temperature stated—
23Izod impact energyMatWeb mechanical properties row, metric value as printedtest Izodtemperature not stated on the datasheetcondition record titled normalised at 870 C—
24Machinability rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)MatWeb mechanical properties row, value as printed with its basiscondition annealed and cold drawnreference AISI 1212 steel is taken as 100 %—
25Thermal conductivity at 100 C (212 F)MatWeb thermal properties row, metric value as printedtemperature 100 C (212 F)printed alternative 296 BTU-in/hr-ft2-F—
26Thermal conductivity at 1200 C (2190 F)MatWeb thermal properties row, metric value as printedtemperature 1200 C (2190 F)printed alternative 209 BTU-in/hr-ft2-F—
27Specific heat capacity at 100 C or aboveMatWeb thermal properties row, metric value as printedtemperature 100 C (212 F) or aboveprinted alternative 0.114 BTU/lb-F—
28Electrical resistivity at 20 C, hardened and tempered specimenMatWeb electrical properties row, value as printedcondition specimen hardened and temperedtemperature 20 C (68 F)—
29Tensile strength, hardened and tempered bar (AMS 6346), temper not statedTypical Mechanical Properties table as printed; the table header gives ksicondition hardened and tempered bar, AMS 6346; temper temperature not stated—
30Yield strength, hardened and tempered bar (AMS 6346), temper not statedTypical Mechanical Properties table as printed; the table header gives ksicondition hardened and tempered bar, AMS 6346; temper temperature not stated—
31Tensile strength, cold drawn tube (AMS 6371)Typical Mechanical Properties table as printed; the table header gives ksicondition cold drawn tube, AMS 6371—
32Yield strength, cold drawn tube (AMS 6371)Typical Mechanical Properties table as printed; the table header gives ksicondition cold drawn tube, AMS 6371—
33Hardness, annealed bar (AMS 6370), maximumTypical Mechanical Properties table as printed, 29HB Maxcondition annealed bar, AMS 6370—
34Hardness, annealed sheet (AMS 6350), maximumTypical Mechanical Properties table as printed, printed as less than 25 HRCcondition annealed sheet, AMS 6350—
35Hardness, round bar as usually supplied (quenched and tempered)Range as printed in the Material Welding article; no test method is printedcondition round bar, usually supplied quenched and tempered, as the article states—
36Melting pointTitanium Industries physical properties table, Melting Point (F) as printedbasis physical properties table; no condition stated—
37Coefficient of thermal expansion (printed per degree F)Titanium Industries physical properties table, Thermal expansion (1/F) as printed; the table prints 0.00000620temperature not stated in the table—
38Electrical conductivityTitanium Industries physical properties table, Electrical conductivity (% IACS) as printedbasis physical properties table; no temperature or condition stated—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Aerated aqueous NaCl, CaCl2 and sodium bicarbonate solution at room temperature, corrosion-fatigue at 1 Hz and R = 0.1 severe Salt solution cut the fatigue life of AISI 4130 at every strength level tested, from 837 to 1846 MPa.1
Hydrogen gas at 21 to 97 MPa and 286 K, and low-pressure hydrogen at 0.08 MPa severe Hydrogen gas lowers the threshold stress intensity of quenched and tempered 4130, from 88 MPa√m at 21 MPa H2 to 32 MPa√m at 69 MPa H2.2
Atmosphere, general (no test conditions printed) not rated Titanium Industries describes AISI 4130 as having good atmospheric resistance; no corrosion rate is printed.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Aerated aqueous NaCl, CaCl2 and sodium bicarbonate solution at room temperature, corrosion-fatigue at 1 Hz and R = 0.1 All specimens tested in the salt solution failed in less than 150,000 cycles, while some tested in air ran out beyond 10^6 cycles. The salt solution lowered the fatigue limit at each strength level. The thesis ties the loss to martensite: the more martensite, the larger the drop. The rating severe is an assistant judgement from these findings. solution aqueous NaCl, CaCl2 and sodium bicarbonatetemperature room temperature, constant aerationloading 1 Hz, stress ratio R = 0.1strength levels six levels, 837 to 1846 MPa (121 to 268 ksi)
2 Hydrogen gas at 21 to 97 MPa and 286 K, and low-pressure hydrogen at 0.08 MPa The Sandia reference says hydrogen gas lowers fracture toughness and makes Cr-Mo steels susceptible to crack extension under static loading. For 4130 the threshold falls by a factor of three as yield strength rises from 1050 to 1330 MPa in low-pressure hydrogen, and it rises 40 to 50 percent when the temperature is 50 K above ambient. The printed value at 97 MPa H2 (52 MPa√m) is above the 69 MPa value, and the report prints it that way. The rating severe is an assistant judgement. temperature 286 K (about 13 C) for the Table 3.2.2.1 valuespressure 21, 41, 62, 69 and 97 MPa H2heat treatment austenitize 1144 K, oil quench, temper 908 K (row 4130 [8])
3 Atmosphere, general (no test conditions printed) The supplier says the grade has good atmospheric resistance and good strength at moderately high temperatures. The page gives no exposure time, site or rate, so this is a supplier statement, not a measured result. basis supplier statement; no test conditions printed

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

PubChem records cover elemental chromium, molybdenum and manganese. No safety data sheet for the 4130 bar was read in this run.

Chromium
PubChem lists elemental chromium as Danger, with H317, H319 and H334 among its reported codes. 50 percent of reports say it does not meet GHS hazard criteria.
Molybdenum
PubChem lists elemental molybdenum as Danger, with H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child) and H228 (flammable solid) among its codes.
Manganese
PubChem lists elemental manganese as Danger, with H360 and H372 among its codes.

In service

These come from laboratory tests, not from field incidents.

Hydrogen gas
At 21 to 69 MPa hydrogen and 286 K, the threshold stress intensity of the 635 MPa yield strength level fell from 88 to 32 MPa√m (Sandia).
Salt solution
In aerated NaCl and CaCl2 solution, every corrosion-fatigue specimen failed in under 150,000 cycles (Georgia Tech thesis).

Welding

Welding 4130 is workable, but it is prone to hydrogen cracking if preheat and heat treatment are skipped.

Hydrogen cracking
Material Welding says 4130 is particularly prone to hydrogen cracking, which fully baked consumables and slower cooling reduce.
Preheat
Preheat to about 200 to 300 C (400 to 570 F), with the upper end for sections thicker than 25 mm.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Hydrogen embrittlement under static loadhigh severityHydrogen gas at 21 to 97 MPa and 286 K, and low-pressure hydrogen at 0.08 MPaThe threshold stress intensity of the 635 MPa yield strength level fell from 88 MPa√m at 21 MPa H2 to 32 MPa√m at 69 MPa H2. The report ties the loss to yield strength, and says limiting yield strength improves resistance. The threshold also rises 40 to 50 percent when the temperature is 50 K above ambient and falls 25 to 30 percent when it is 70 K below ambient.
Hydrogen cracking in weldshigh severityWelding 4130 without the recommended preheat, with unbaked consumables, or with fast coolingMaterial Welding says 4130 is particularly prone to hydrogen cracking, which the filler metal and slow cooling can reduce.
Corrosion fatigue in salt solutionshigh severityAerated aqueous NaCl and CaCl2 solution under cyclic loading (1 Hz, R = 0.1)Every specimen tested in the salt solution failed in less than 150,000 cycles, and the salt solution lowered the fatigue limit at each strength level tested.
Loss of tempering effect in post-weld heat treatmentmoderate severityPost-weld heat treatment at a temperature above the tempering temperatureA high PWHT temperature destroys the tempering effect in the base material.

Handling and storage

  • Preheat to about 200 to 300 C (400 to 570 F) before welding. Use the upper end for sections thicker than 25 mm or when working in a cold environment. Slower cooling after welding also reduces the risk of cracking.
  • Use fully baked welding consumables and an appropriate filler. ER80S-D2 is the recommended filler; ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 are alternatives with slightly lower toughness.
  • Stress relieve parts thicker than 3 mm (0.120 in) at about 600 C, holding about one hour per inch of thickness, and keep the temperature below the tempering temperature.
  • Quote the heat-treatment condition with every strength value. The normalised, annealed, hardened and tempered, cold drawn and quenched-and-tempered rows in this file come from different heat treatments.

Mitigations

  • Limit the yield strength of the chosen condition. Sandia states that limiting steel yield strength can improve resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, and the threshold falls as yield strength rises.
  • Avoid hydrogen cracking by using fully baked welding consumables and an appropriate filler, with preheat and slow cooling after welding.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Chromium

World resources are greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite, 95 percent of chromium resources in Kazakhstan and southern Africa (USGS). US net import reliance was 79 percent of apparent consumption in 2025e. Chromite imports in 2021 to 2024 came from South Africa (96%), Turkey (3%) and other (1%). 2025e mine production as printed: South Africa 23,000; Turkey 9,000; Kazakhstan 7,000; India 3,000; Brazil 2,000; Zimbabwe 2,000; Finland 1,900; world total 51,000 (rounded). Producer shares are not printed by USGS and are not calculated here.

Top producers (2025)
South Africa, Turkey, Kazakhstan, India, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Finland
Recycling
Recycled chromium in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts accounted for 21 percent of apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
Substitutes
Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use, or in superalloys (USGS). Chromium-containing scrap can substitute for ferrochromium in some metallurgical uses.

Molybdenum

Identified resources are about 5.4 million tons in the United States and about 20 million tons in the rest of the world (USGS). World reserves were 17,000 thousand metric tons. Molybdenum is used principally as an alloying agent in cast iron and steel. The United States is a net exporter (E in the USGS table, 2021 to 2025e). In 2025e, China, Chile, the United States, Peru and Mexico account for 90 percent of world production (USGS). 2025e mine production as printed: China 97,000; Chile 42,000; United States 40,000; Peru 39,000; Mexico 17,000; world total 260,000 (rounded). The Government of China imposed export controls on molybdenum powders in February 2025.

Top producers (2025)
China, Chile, United States, Peru, Mexico
Recycling
Molybdenum is recycled from catalysts, ferrous scrap and superalloy scrap. Recycled molybdenum in new and old steel and other scrap may be as much as 30 percent of the apparent supply (USGS).
Substitutes
There is little substitution for molybdenum in steels and cast irons. Potential substitutes in alloy steels include boron, chromium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium (USGS).