Chromoly or Chrome Moly is a type of low-alloy steel. The popularity of the name Chromoly or Chrome Moly is due to the presence of two major alloying elements in steel; Chromium and Molybdenum. When an increase in strength is required, Chromoly steel is one of the alternatives. They are designated as AISI 41XX. The most popular and widely used Chromoly steel is AISI 4130.
Chromoly AISI 4130
The most common Chromoly steel is AISI 4130 steel. The designation is based on the widely used AISI 4-digit naming convention, with 41 denoting low alloy steel with chromium and molybdenum. The digit “30” at the end represents the carbon content; in this case, it indicates an approximate carbon percentage by weight of 0.30%.
Adding chromium and molybdenum as alloying elements to steel gives it additional properties. Compared to its mild steel counterpart, AISI 1030, which has the same percentage of carbon, the strength is significantly increased. A proper hardening procedure can be used to increase the strength even further. In addition, Chromoly steel’s hardenability and corrosion resistance properties are improved. The addition of molybdenum increases Chromoly’s toughness.
Annealed AISI 4130 has good formability, machinability, and weldability. Preheat may be required for welding Chromoly steel.
Characteristics of Chromoly
The following are important Chromoly characteristics:
- Simple to harden
- Case-hardenable
- Weldable (MIG and TIG are normally used) (MIG and TIG are normally used)
- Annealed Chromoly is easily machined.
- Corrosion-resistant than regular steel.
- Increased strength-to-weight ratio
- Strengthening creep
- Resistance to wear
- Rigidity
- Excellent impact resistance
- Fabrication simplicity
Uses of Chromoly
Chromoly Steel is used in a variety of industries. They are most commonly found in the bicycle, automotive, heavy equipment parts, oil and gas industries, forming equipment, nuclear industry, fossil fuel power plants, and metal production industries.
Chromoly has a variety of applications, including:
- Tubing for bicycles
- Roll cages for racing vehicles
- Moulds
- Flywheel and clutch
- Tying rods
- Pins
- Shafts of machines
- Equipment for the furnace
- Crankshafts
Chromoly more Durable than Steel
Chromoly is stronger than regular mild steel. As a result, Chromoly is stronger than steel. Chromoly steel is widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries due to its high strength and higher strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, Chromoly can be case hardened by carburization, resulting in a hard outside surface that reduces wear and tear. Furthermore, chrome moly is stronger than stainless steel.
What is Chromoly Tube?
Chromoly tubing is made from the low-alloy steel group Chromoly, which contains chromium and molybdenum as alloying elements. Adding chromium to the Chromoly tubes increases their strength, hardenability, and corrosion resistance. Chromoly tubing, on the other hand, is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel. Chromoly tubes are more substantial than aluminium alloy tubes.