4340 forged steel
What is 4340 Forged Steel?
4340 steel is a high-strength, low-alloy steel known for its exceptional toughness, good fatigue resistance, and high strength. It is classified as a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. The “forged” process involves shaping the metal under high pressure while it is heated to a plastic state, which refines its grain structure, improves mechanical properties, and enhances its overall durability and reliability compared to cast or machined forms.
International Grade Equivalents of 4340 Steel
340 steel is recognized worldwide under different national standards. Here are some common equivalents:
USA: AISI 4340 or UNS G43400
UK: EN 24 / 817M40
Germany: 1.6562 / 34CrNiMo6
34CrNiMo6*France: 35NCD6
Japan: SNCM439
China: 40CrNiMoA (Similar but not always an exact 1:1 equivalent)
Industries Served by 4340 Forged Steel
Due to its superior combination of strength and toughness, 4340 forged steel is ideal for critical components in demanding industries.
Aerospace: Aircraft landing gear, engine mounts, helicopter rotor components.
Oil & Gas: Drill collars, tool joints, shafts, valves, and other downhole equipment.
Automotive: High-performance crankshafts, connecting rods, gears, and axles.
Defense: Armor components, tank tracks, gun barrels, and other military hardware.
Industrial Machinery: Heavy-duty shafts, spindles, press rams, and gears for mining and construction equipment.
The Forging Process of 4340 Steel
The forging of 4340 steel is a critical step in achieving its desired properties. The process typically involves:
：
Heating: The 4340 steel billet is uniformly heated to a specific forging temperature range (approx. 1100-1200°C / 2000-2200°F).
1100-1200°C / 2000-2200°F）
Forging: The heated billet is then shaped using hammers, presses, or dies under high pressure to form the desired near-net shape.
Heat Treatment (Quenching & Tempering): After forging, the component undergoes a rigorous heat treatment. It is quenched in oil or water to achieve high hardness and strength, followed by tempering to reduce brittleness and achieve the optimal balance of strength and toughness.
Machining & Finishing: The forged and heat-treated part is then precision-machined to meet final dimensional tolerances and surface finish requirements.
Our Custom 4340 Steel Forging Services
e specialize in providing high-quality custom forging solutions for 4340 alloy steel. We understand that each project has unique requirements.
Custom Shapes & Sizes: We can forge 4340 steel into a wide variety of complex shapes and sizes according to your technical drawings and specifications.
Tailored Mechanical Properties: Our advanced heat treatment facilities allow us to tailor the final mechanical properties (such as tensile strength, yield strength, and impact toughness) of the 4340 forging to suit your specific application needs.
Customer-Centric Approach: We work closely with our clients throughout the process, from material selection and design consultation to final delivery, ensuring the finished product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.