The alloy steel pipe is specified by the AISI four digit number. They contain different types of steel, and their composition exceeds B, C, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Cr and Va limits set for carbon steel.
AISI 4140 alloy steel is low alloy steel containing chromium, molybdenum and manganese. It has high fatigue strength, wear resistance and impact resistance, toughness and torsion strength. The following data sheet provides an overview of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
The following table shows the chemical composition of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Iron, Fe | Balance |
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 |
The following table outlines the mechanical properties of AISI 4140 alloy steel.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 655 MPa | 95000 psi |
| Yield strength | 415 MPa | 60200 psi |
| Bulk modulus (typical for steel) | 140 GPa | 20300 ksi |
| Shear modulus (typical for steel) | 80 GPa | 11600 ksi |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30458 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| 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 normal HRC range, for comparison purposes only) | 13 | 13 |
| Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness) | 207 | 207 |
| Machinability (based on AISI 1212 as 100 machinability) | 65 | 65 |
The thermal properties of AISI 4140 alloy steel are given in the following table.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@ 0-100°C/32-212°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 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 | |
AISI 4140 alloy steel pipe has good machinability in the annealed condition.
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.
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.
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.
AISI 4140 alloy steel is forged at 926 to 1205°C (1700 to 2200°F)
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be hot worked at 816 to 1038°C (1500 to 1900°F)
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be cold worked using conventional methods in the annealed condition.
AISI 4140 alloy steel is annealed at 872°C (1600°F) followed by slowly cooling in the furnace.
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).
AISI 4140 alloy steel can be hardened by cold working, or heating and quenching.
