Alloy steel AISI 4140 (chromium-molybdenum) 4140 (UNS G41400)

Fe balance

Also known as UNS G41400, EN 1.7225, EN name 42CrMo4, AISI 4140, JIS SCM440, JIS SCM 4 · 31 more

AISI 4140 is a medium-carbon chromium-molybdenum alloy steel (UNS G41400) whose strength depends on heat treatment.

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 0.38 to 0.43%Carbon
  • Mn 0.75 to 1%Manganese
  • Si 0.15 to 0.35%Silicon
  • Cr 0.8 to 1.1%Chromium
  • Mo 0.15 to 0.25%Molybdenum
  • P 0 to 0.035%Phosphorus
  • S 0 to 0.04%Sulfur

Best for

Machine parts and structures in medium and large sections that need high strength and toughness after quenching and tempering

Weakest at

Hydrogen gas, which cut notched strength by about 60 percent in one room-temperature study, and dilute sulfuric acid, which corroded it at 176.87 mpy

Risk at a glance

  • People None found. Alloy not checked against an SDS
  • If it fails High. Hydrogen embrittlement in gaseous hydrogen
  • Corrosion Severe. AISI 4140 corroded at 132.65 to 176.87 mpy in 0.5 M sulfuric acid, and its rate rose with exposure time.

Quick facts: 4140 (UNS G41400)

Key properties of 4140 (UNS G41400)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.85 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength570 to 1,235 MPa7 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength745 to 1,283 MPa8 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus205 GPa1 sourced value
Hardness (Brinell)269 to 331 HB3 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity42.6 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)12.2 to 14.6 ppm/K2 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat473 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value

What is the density of Alloy steel AISI 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 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 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 has a thermal conductivity of 42.6 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Alloy steel AISI 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 12.2 to 14.6 ppm/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 yield strength of Alloy steel AISI 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 has a yield strength of 570 to 1,235 MPa. The range covers 7 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 tensile strength of Alloy steel AISI 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 has a tensile strength of 745 to 1,283 MPa. The range covers 8 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 4140?

Alloy steel AISI 4140 is also written as UNS G41400, EN 1.7225, EN name 42CrMo4, AISI 4140, JIS SCM440, JIS SCM 4. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Alloy steel AISI 4140 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Axles, gears, shafts, spindles, pinions, sprockets and studs; Rams, crowbars and oil-patch and logging parts; Aerospace bar to AMS 6349 and AMS 6382.

Why it exists

AISI 4140 (UNS G41400) is a medium-carbon chromium-molybdenum steel. It is chosen for a balance of strength, toughness and wear resistance after quenching and tempering, and molybdenum keeps it free of temper brittleness, according to the supplier. Its strength depends on the condition: a normalised 25 mm bar, a quenched and tempered bar of 10 to 100 mm and a room-temperature hydrogen study each give different numbers, so every value in this profile carries its own condition. Its main weakness is hydrogen gas, which cut notched strength sharply in one room-temperature study.

Where it's used

Gears, shafts and spindles

Aircraft Materials lists axles, gears, shafts, pump shafts, pinions, sprockets, studs and ring gears among the typical uses of alloy 4140 bar.

Oil-patch and logging parts

The same supplier calls alloy 4140 the most widely used alloy for oil-patch applications.

Aerospace bar

Alloy 4140 bar is supplied to the aerospace specifications AMS 6349 and AMS 6382 (Aircraft Materials).

Recipe

Fe balance; 0.38 to 0.43 C, 0.75 to 1.00 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%, ASTM A29 limits as printed in Table 1.1.1 of the Sandia reference)

AISI 4140 is an iron-based chromium-molybdenum steel. The composition limits printed for it (ASTM A29, in the Sandia reference) are 0.38 to 0.43 wt% carbon, 0.75 to 1.00 manganese, 0.15 to 0.35 silicon, 0.80 to 1.10 chromium and 0.15 to 0.25 molybdenum, with phosphorus at 0.035 maximum, sulfur at 0.04 maximum and iron as the balance. Its strength comes from heat treatment (austenitize, quench, temper) as much as from its composition.

What 4140 (UNS G41400) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The matrix of the steel; heat treatment changes its structure from austenite to martensite and then tempered martensite.
Carbon C 0.38 to 0.43% Sets how hard the steel can become when quenched; medium carbon gives the strength range.
Manganese Mn 0.75 to 1% Deoxidiser and hardenability aid in the melt.
Silicon Si 0.15 to 0.35% Deoxidiser in the melt.
Chromium Cr 0.8 to 1.1% Adds hardenability and corrosion resistance; the grade is still a low-alloy steel, not stainless.
Molybdenum Mo 0.15 to 0.25% Adds hardenability and, per the supplier, prevents temper brittleness.
Phosphorus P 0 to 0.035% Impurity held low.
Sulfur S 0 to 0.04% Impurity held low.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength

Quenched and tempered bar of 10 to 100 mm is specified at a minimum yield strength of 740 MPa and a tensile strength of 930 to 1080 MPa (voestalpine).

Toughness

In the same condition the minimum Charpy impact energy is 42 J (voestalpine).

Normalised

A 25 mm round normalised at 870 C gives 1020 MPa tensile strength, 655 MPa yield strength and 17.7% elongation (Elgin).

Stiffness

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

Hydrogen

In 69 MPa hydrogen gas at room temperature, high-strength 4140 still reached 1228 MPa tensile strength, but its notched tensile strength fell to 862 MPa (Sandia).

How it compares

In the same 0.5 M sulfuric acid test, AISI 4140 corroded at a rate second only to AISI 1045 (176.87 mpy against 183.7 mpy at 144 h), while the stainless steel in the same test corroded least, because its chromium oxide film protects it (Rosidah et al., 2021). The fetched sources give no direct comparison with another grade on strength or hydrogen behaviour, so this paragraph is limited to that acid test.

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
Measurement4140 (UNS G41400)A36 (UNS K02600)1018 (UNS G10180, AISI 1018)1045 (UNS G10450, AISI 1045)1215 (UNS G12150, AISI 1215)4130 (UNS G41300)1010 (UNS G10100, AISI 1010)1070 (UNS G10700, AISI 1070, SAE 1070)4340 (UNS G43400)
Capacity and energy
Charpy impact energy, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mm> 42 J6no datano datano datano data87 Jno datano data> 35 J
Izod impact energy, typical, 50 mm section90 J13no datano datano datano data87 Jno datano data> 35 J
Thermal behavior and safety
specific heat0.473 J/gK27no data0.486 J/g-°Cno data0.472 J/g-°C0.477 J/g-°C450 J/(kg·K)470 J/(kg·K)no data
Thermal conductivity42.6 W/mK28no data51.9 W/m-Kno data51.9 W/m-K42.7 W/m-K64.21 W/(m∙°C)50 W/(m·K)no data
Physical and electrical
Hardness, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mm269 to 331 HB7no datano datano data167 HB197 HBno data192 HB248 to 302 HB
Hardness, typical, 50 mm section275 HB14no datano datano data167 HB197 HBno data192 HB248 to 302 HB
Hardness, Brinell, normalised at 870 C302 HB19no datano datano data167 HB197 HBno data192 HB248 to 302 HB
Density7.85 g/cc207.8 g/cm³7.87 g/ccno data7.87 g/cc7.85 g/cc7.9 g/cm³7.7 g/cm³7.7 to 8.03 g/cm³
Other measurements
Yield strength, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mm> 740 MPa1> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Yield strength, quenched and tempered, 101 to 250 mm> 665 MPa2> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mm930 to 1080 MPa358 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, 101 to 250 mm850 to 1000 MPa458 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Elongation, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mm> 12 %5> 21 %15 %> 8 %10 %25.5 %30 %> 10 %> 13 %
Yield strength, typical, 50 mm section770 MPa8> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Yield strength, typical, 200 mm section570 MPa9> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, typical, 50 mm section930 MPa1058 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Tensile strength, typical, 200 mm section850 MPa1158 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Elongation, typical, 50 mm section17 %12> 21 %15 %> 8 %10 %25.5 %30 %> 10 %> 13 %
Tensile strength, normalised at 870 C1020 MPa1558 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Yield strength, normalised at 870 C655 MPa16> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Elongation, normalised at 870 C17.7 %17> 21 %15 %> 8 %10 %25.5 %30 %> 10 %> 13 %
Reduction of area, normalised at 870 C46.8 %18no data40 %no data35 %67 %no data30 %no data
Modulus of elasticity205 GPa21200 GPa200 GPa190 to 210 GPa200 GPa205 GPa210 GPa190 GPa190 to 210 GPa
shear modulus80 GPa2279.3 GPa78 GPano data80 GPa80 GPano datano datano data
bulk modulus160 GPa23no datano datano data160 GPa160 GPano datano datano data
poissons ratio0.29 -240.26 -0.29 -no data0.29 -0.29 -no datano data0.27 to 0.3 -
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 0 to 100 C12.2 ppm/K25no datano datano data11.5 µm/m-°C6.2×10^-6 1/Fno data11.8 10-6/°C11.5 ppm/K
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 600 C14.6 ppm/K26no datano datano data11.5 µm/m-°C6.2×10^-6 1/Fno data11.8 10-6/°C11.5 ppm/K
Yield strength, high-strength condition, smooth bar1235 MPa29> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, high-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140, 69 MPa He1283 MPa3058 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Tensile strength, high-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140, 69 MPa H21228 MPa3158 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Reduction of area, high-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140, 69 MPa He, RA column48 %32no data40 %no data35 %67 %no data30 %no data
Reduction of area, high-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140, 69 MPa H2, RA column8.8 %33no data40 %no data35 %67 %no data30 %no data
Elongation, high-strength condition, hydrogen2.6 %34> 21 %15 %> 8 %10 %25.5 %30 %> 10 %> 13 %
Yield strength, low-strength condition642 MPa35> 36 ksi370 MPa> 540 MPa415 MPa635 MPa190 MPa> 390 MPa> 665 MPa
Tensile strength, low-strength conditionTable 1.1.3 low-strength 4140 row745 MPa58 to 80 ksi440 MPa> 690 MPa540 MPa820 MPa350 MPa640 MPa850 to 1000 MPa
Reduction of area, low-strength conditionTable 1.1.3 low-strength 4140 row68 %no data40 %no data35 %67 %no data30 %no data
Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, airTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), air1345 MPa36no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), 69 MPa He1259 MPa37no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), 69 MPa H21074 MPa38no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched tensile strength, high-strength condition, helium2160 MPa39no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched tensile strength, high-strength condition, hydrogen862 MPa40no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, air10 %41no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, helium14 %42no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, hydrogen7.1 %43no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched reduction of area, high-strength condition, helium2.8 %44no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Notched reduction of area, high-strength condition, hydrogen0.9 %45no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Medium and large sections that need high strength with toughness after quenching and tempering (voestalpine).
  • Gears, shafts, spindles, pinions and sprockets, the machine parts the supplier lists (Aircraft Materials).

Watch out for

  • Hydrogen gas: notched tensile strength of high-strength 4140 fell from 2160 to 862 MPa at 69 MPa and room temperature.
  • Dilute acid: 4140 rusted and corroded at 176.87 mpy in 0.5 M sulfuric acid after 144 h.
  • Tempering between 200 and 420 C causes temper brittleness, so avoid that range.

AISI 4140 is a strong, tough steel whose properties depend on heat treatment. Quote the condition with each value, keep hydrogen exposure in mind when choosing the strength level, and protect it from acid. The hydrogen data here come from one room-temperature study, so treat them as a warning, not a design allowable.

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
UNSG41400
EN1.7225
EN name42CrMo4
AISI4140
JISSCM440, SCM 4
SAE4140, J404, J412, J770
DIN41CrMo4 (nearest equivalent)
BSEN19, 708M40, 708A42, 709M40, EN19A (nearest equivalent)
AFNOR40 CD 4, 42 CD 4
SS14 2244
IS40Cr1Mo28
ISO683-2
ASTMA29, A322, A331, A505, A519, A646
DTD167A
MILMIL-S-16974, S 5626
AMSS 5626, 6349, 6382, 6381, 6390, 6395
AS1444-1996

Notes

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

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Yield strength, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum as printed; N/mm2 is the same number as MPacondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 10 to 100 mmstrength type Rp0.2, minimumunit in source N/mm2—
2Yield strength, quenched and tempered, 101 to 250 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum as printed; N/mm2 is the same number as MPacondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 101 to 250 mmstrength type Rp0.2, minimumunit in source N/mm2—
3Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum and maximum as printed; N/mm2 is the same number as MPacondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 10 to 100 mmunit in source N/mm2—
4Tensile strength, quenched and tempered, 101 to 250 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum and maximum as printed; N/mm2 is the same number as MPacondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 101 to 250 mmunit in source N/mm2—
5Elongation, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum as printedcondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 10 to 100 mmgauge A5 as labelled in the datasheet—
6Charpy impact energy, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, minimum as printedcondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 10 to 100 mmtest Charpytest temperature not stated in the datasheet—
7Hardness, quenched and tempered, 10 to 100 mmMechanical properties (heat treated) table, range as printedcondition quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air coolsection 10 to 100 mm—
8Yield strength, typical, 50 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 50 mm; typical values, not minimumscondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 50 mm—
9Yield strength, typical, 200 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 200 mm; typical values, not minimumscondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 200 mm—
10Tensile strength, typical, 50 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 50 mm; typical values, not minimumscondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 50 mm—
11Tensile strength, typical, 200 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 200 mm; typical values, not minimumscondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 200 mm—
12Elongation, typical, 50 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 50 mmcondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 50 mm—
13Izod impact energy, typical, 50 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed (column headed Izod J)condition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 50 mmtest Izod—
14Hardness, typical, 50 mm sectionTypical mechanical properties table as printed, row Alloy 4140 at 50 mmcondition hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated)section 50 mm—
15Tensile strength, normalised at 870 CMechanical properties table of the fact sheet, value as printed for the stated conditioncondition normalised at 870 C, air cooledsection 25 mm (1 in.) round—
16Yield strength, normalised at 870 CMechanical properties table of the fact sheet, value as printed for the stated conditioncondition normalised at 870 C, air cooledsection 25 mm (1 in.) round—
17Elongation, normalised at 870 CMechanical properties table of the fact sheet, value as printed for the stated conditioncondition normalised at 870 C, air cooledsection 25 mm (1 in.) roundgauge 50 mm—
18Reduction of area, normalised at 870 CMechanical properties table of the fact sheet, value as printed for the stated conditioncondition normalised at 870 C, air cooledsection 25 mm (1 in.) round—
19Hardness, Brinell, normalised at 870 CMechanical properties table of the fact sheet; the Brinell value is printed and the other scales are converted by the datasheetcondition normalised at 870 C, air cooledsection 25 mm (1 in.) round—
20DensityPhysical properties table as printed (metric column)basis physical properties table; no temperature or heat treatment stated—
21Modulus of elasticityMechanical properties table as printed; the datasheet marks the value as typical for steelbasis datasheet comment Typical for steel; no temperature or heat treatment stated—
22shear modulusMechanical properties table as printed; the datasheet marks the value as typical for steelbasis datasheet comment Typical for steel; no temperature or heat treatment stated—
23bulk modulusMechanical properties table as printed; the datasheet marks the value as typical for steelbasis datasheet comment Typical for steel; no temperature or heat treatment stated—
24poissons ratioMechanical properties table as printed; the datasheet notes the value is calculatedbasis datasheet marks the value as calculated; no temperature stated—
25Coefficient of thermal expansion, 0 to 100 CThermal properties table as printed; the unit is the same number as ppm/Ktemperature 0 to 100 C (32 to 212 F)unit in source µm/m-°C, numerically the same as ppm/K—
26Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 600 CThermal properties table as printed; the unit is the same number as ppm/Ktemperature 20 to 600 C (68 to 1110 F)unit in source µm/m-°C, numerically the same as ppm/K—
27specific heatThermal properties table as printed; J/g-°C is the same number as J/gKtemperature 150 to 200 C (302 to 392 F)unit in source J/g-°C—
28Thermal conductivityThermal properties table as printed; unit inferred from the BTU-in column on the same rowtemperature 100 C (212 F)unit in source W/m-K, with the W lost in text extraction; the BTU column on the same row (296 BTU-in/hr-ft2-F) confirms W/m-K—
29Yield strength, high-strength condition, smooth barTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140 (69 MPa He); the same value appears in Table 1.1.3 high-strength row; kelvin converted to C by subtracting 273.15 and roundingheat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa helium gastest smooth tensile, room temperature, strain rate 3.3e-5 per syield definition deviation from linearity on load vs time plot—
30Tensile strength, high-strength condition, helium—heat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa helium gastest smooth tensile, room temperature—
31Tensile strength, high-strength condition, hydrogen—heat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gastest smooth tensile, room temperature—
32Reduction of area, high-strength condition, helium—heat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa helium gastest smooth tensile, room temperature—
33Reduction of area, high-strength condition, hydrogen—heat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gastest smooth tensile, room temperature—
34Elongation, high-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.1.1 row 4140, 69 MPa H2, Elt column; the footnote for a 32 mm gauge is printed against the helium value, not this oneheat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, water quench, T 755 K/120 min (A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h); strength level highenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gastest smooth tensile, room temperature—
35Yield strength, low-strength conditionTable 1.1.3 low-strength 4140 row; kelvin converted to C by subtracting 273.15 and rounding; the same Sy* is listed in Table 3.1.2.1heat treatment A 1116 K/60 min, oil quench, T 977 K/120 min, air cool (A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool); strength level lowenvironment not stated for the smooth yield value—
36Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, air—heat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment airspecimen V-notch, 60 degree included angle, notch root radius 0.024 mm, Kt 8.4displacement rate about 4e-4 mm/s—
37Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, helium—heat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment 69 MPa helium gasspecimen V-notch, 60 degree included angle, notch root radius 0.024 mm, Kt 8.4displacement rate about 4e-4 mm/s—
38Notched tensile strength, low-strength condition, hydrogen—heat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gasspecimen V-notch, 60 degree included angle, notch root radius 0.024 mm, Kt 8.4displacement rate about 4e-4 mm/s—
39Notched tensile strength, high-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (high strength), 69 MPa Heheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h; strength level highenvironment 69 MPa helium gasspecimen V-notch, 60 degree included angle, notch root radius 0.024 mm, Kt 8.4displacement rate about 4e-4 mm/s—
40Notched tensile strength, high-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (high strength), 69 MPa H2heat treatment A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h; strength level highenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gasspecimen V-notch, 60 degree included angle, notch root radius 0.024 mm, Kt 8.4displacement rate about 4e-4 mm/s—
41Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, airTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), air, RA columnheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment airspecimen V-notch, Kt 8.4—
42Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), 69 MPa He, RA columnheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment 69 MPa helium gasspecimen V-notch, Kt 8.4—
43Notched reduction of area, low-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (low strength), 69 MPa H2, RA columnheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h, air cool; strength level lowenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gasspecimen V-notch, Kt 8.4—
44Notched reduction of area, high-strength condition, heliumTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (high strength), 69 MPa He, RA columnheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h; strength level highenvironment 69 MPa helium gasspecimen V-notch, Kt 8.4—
45Notched reduction of area, high-strength condition, hydrogenTable 3.1.2.1 row 4140 (high strength), 69 MPa H2, RA columnheat treatment A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 h; strength level highenvironment 69 MPa hydrogen gasspecimen V-notch, Kt 8.4—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Immersion in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 48 to 144 h, weight-loss test severe AISI 4140 corroded at 132.65 to 176.87 mpy in 0.5 M sulfuric acid, and its rate rose with exposure time.1
Hydrogen gas at 69 MPa, room temperature (one study compiled by Sandia) severe Hydrogen gas at 69 MPa cuts the notched tensile strength of high-strength 4140 from 2160 to 862 MPa, and its notched reduction of area from 2.8 to 0.9 percent.2
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Immersion in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 48 to 144 h, weight-loss test Rates were 132.65 mpy at 48 h, 143.7 mpy at 96 h and 176.87 mpy at 144 h, from weight loss (Table 1). The paper reports obvious rust on all AISI 4140 specimens at every time and XRD shows metal oxides as the corrosion products. Only AISI 1045 corroded faster, at 183.7 mpy at 144 h. The severe rating is an assistant judgement from the mpy values, not a rating in the paper. solution 0.5 M H2SO4exposure times h 48, 96, 144specimen 25 mm diameter by 30 mm high, three per material (as printed)heat treatment not stated in the papermethod weight loss in mg; corrosion rate in mpy
2 Hydrogen gas at 69 MPa, room temperature (one study compiled by Sandia) The Sandia reference says hydrogen severely degrades reduction of area in smooth tension (80% lower than in helium), while ultimate strength barely changes (1283 to 1228 MPa). Hydrogen lowers notched tensile strength by about 60% for high-strength 4140 and by about 15% for low-strength 4140. The yield strength of 4140 sets how severe the loss is, so the high-strength condition suffers most. environment 69 MPa hydrogen gas, room temperaturecomparison 69 MPa helium gasnotch V-notch, Kt 8.4heat treatment high A 843 C 1 h, water quench, temper 482 C 2 hheat treatment low A 843 C 1 h, oil quench, temper 704 C 2 h

Risks and side effects

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

For people

The PubChem records below are for elemental chromium and molybdenum. No safety data sheet for AISI 4140 bar was read in this run.

Chromium
PubChem lists elemental chromium as Danger, with H317, H319 and H334 among the reported codes. About half of 2404 company reports say it does not meet GHS criteria.
Molybdenum
PubChem lists elemental molybdenum with H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child) and H228 (flammable solid) among the reported codes. 57.4% of reports say it does not meet GHS criteria.

In service

These come from two laboratory tests, not from field incidents.

Hydrogen gas
In 69 MPa hydrogen gas at room temperature, high-strength 4140 lost about 60% of its notched tensile strength, from 2160 to 862 MPa (Sandia).
Dilute acid
In 0.5 M sulfuric acid, 4140 rusted over its surface and corroded at 176.87 mpy after 144 h (Rosidah et al., 2021).

Heat treatment

Heat treatment sets the strength, and two windows need care.

Temper brittleness
Tempering between 200 and 420 C causes temper brittleness, per the supplier. Avoid that range.
Stress relief
After quenching and tempering, stress relieve about 30 to 50 C below the tempering temperature, then air cool.

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

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Hydrogen embrittlement in gaseous hydrogenhigh severityHydrogen gas at 69 MPa, room temperature, notched and smooth specimensNotched tensile strength of high-strength 4140 fell from 2160 to 862 MPa, and its notched reduction of area from 2.8 to 0.9 percent. The source ties the loss to yield strength.
Acid corrosion with weight losshigh severityImmersion in 0.5 M sulfuric acid for 48 to 144 hMass fell from 4000 mg to 1600 mg after 144 h, a corrosion rate of 176.87 mpy, with visible rust on the specimens.
Temper brittlenessmoderate severityTempering in the 200 to 420 C rangeBrittleness. The supplier says this tempering range should be avoided.

Handling and storage

  • Harden at 830 to 860 C and oil quench, then temper at 540 to 680 C for at least 1 hour and air cool (recommended for the quenched and tempered condition).
  • Stress relieve about 30 to 50 C below the tempering temperature for the quenched and tempered condition, or at 600 to 650 C for the annealed condition, then air cool.
  • Avoid tempering between 200 and 420 C; the supplier says this causes temper brittleness.

Mitigations

  • The source ties the hydrogen damage to yield strength. In the room-temperature study the lower-strength 4140 lost about 15% of its notched tensile strength, against about 60% for the high-strength condition, so keep the yield strength of the chosen condition in view wherever hydrogen may be present.
  • Molybdenum in the grade prevents temper brittleness, per the supplier; keep the Mo content within the datasheet limits.

Supply and geography

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

Chromium

World resources are greater than 12 billion t of shipping-grade chromite, with 95% of world chromium resources in Kazakhstan and southern Africa. US net import reliance was 79% of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated). US chromite imports in 2021 to 2024 came from South Africa (96%) and Turkey (3%).

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%, Brazil 3.9%, Zimbabwe 3.9%
Critical mineral lists
US: listed
Recycling
Recycled chromium in stainless-steel scrap receipts was 21% of US apparent consumption in 2025.
Substitutes
Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use, or in superalloys (USGS 2026).

Molybdenum

World reserves were 17,000 thousand t (2025e). Identified resources are about 5.4 million t in the United States and about 20 million t in the rest of the world. Molybdenum is used principally as an alloying agent in cast iron, steel and superalloys. The Government of China imposed export controls on molybdenum powders in February 2025.

Top producers (2025)
China 37.3%, Chile 16.2%, United States 15.4%, Peru 15%, Mexico 6.5%
Recycling
Molybdenum is recycled in ferrous scrap, superalloy scrap and catalysts; USGS says recycled molybdenum may be as much as 30% of apparent supply.
Substitutes
USGS: there is little substitution in steels; potential substitutes in alloy steels include boron, chromium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium.