Unfortunately, exploring the vast expanses of the Internet in search of articles that are simple and understandable to the average reader on the topic of metal structures and steels, in principle, at best you will find a couple of unstructured articles, the meaning of which is not so much. In other cases, information is provided in the form of simple clippings from regulatory documents, where all information will be given in the form of obscure scientific and technical abbreviations and notation.
This state of affairs does not suit us, therefore, in today's article we will become as simple as possible familiarizing ourselves with the main characteristics of 40XN steel, and also discuss the scope of its application and chemical composition.
Using
We begin our excursion with the simplest, namely, the answer to a rather important question. Where is this steel used, or, to paraphrase a little, for which industry will the characteristics of 40XN steel be most in demand?
If we turn to the documentation, namely to GOST 4543-71, then it will become clear to us that steel 40XH is structural, alloyed, chromium-nickel. This name makes it clear that this steel grade is mainly used for the manufacture of something. In most cases, the use of steel 40XH is closely related to the manufacture of parts for various mechanisms.
For example, engine axles and shafts, gears, rollers, connecting rods, levers, and much more are often made from 40XN. All of the above parts are subjected to high loads throughout their operation, from which we can conclude that the characteristics and mechanical properties of 40XH steel are not so bad.
However, you should not think that steel of this brand is already produced in the form of finished parts. Like any other steel, 40XH is supplied to the market in the form of bands familiar to everyone, bars, hexagons, squares.
Composition
We are sure: it’s not a secret for readers that the alloy of iron with carbon is steel. Pure steel, to be exact. However, such material is far from always suitable for use. In order to improve the initial properties of steel, various elements from the well-known Mendeleev table are added to its composition, the presence of which in a certain proportion gives the alloy certain properties like increased wear resistance and oxidation resistance.
Steel 40XH did not become an exception, the characteristics of which directly follow from the ligature composition, which is as follows:
- 0.4% carbon;
- 0.6% chromium;
- 0.65% manganese;
- 0.27% silicon;
- 1.2% nickel;
- 0.3% copper.
Alas, the smelting technology cannot guarantee the complete absence of harmful impurities in the composition of 40XH steel. Characteristics due to their presence do not significantly deteriorate, since the percentage of such impurities does not exceed 0.035%.
Steel 40XH: characteristics
The use of steel 40XH as a material for the manufacture of heavily loaded parts of mechanisms is the clearest indicator that the alloy has sufficiently high strength indicators. And this is certainly true. Most of the master alloys in the composition increase the strength characteristics of 40XH steel, such as wear resistance, impact strength, ductility, resistance to elevated temperatures, and also make it more resistant to corrosion.
Analogs
As usual, almost any steel - tool, construction or structural - will always have several analogues or substitutes both within the country of manufacture and abroad.
Let's start with domestic steels. Among the similar ones were:
But in foreign markets you can find something similar. For example:
- United States of America - 3135 or 3140H.
- Japan - SNC236.
- China - 40CrNi.
- Germany - 1.5710 or 40NiCr6.
Well, now you know much more about 40XN steel, the characteristics inherent in it, and the scope. We hope the article was useful to you.