Comparison
42CrMo4 vs 34CrNiMo6
The two grades are confused because both are quenched and tempered shaft steels. The difference is nickel and thus hardenability. 42CrMo4 wins on price and availability in moderate diameters. 34CrNiMo6 wins when the core of a large cross-section still has to perform.
Rule of thumb
Stay with 42CrMo4 as long as diameter and strength requirement fit the EN table for 1.7225. Switch to 34CrNiMo6 when the table or your experience says the core falls off, or when the drawing specifies a hardness such as Ø580 in a heavy shaft.
- 42CrMo4 · 1.7225 – Cr-Mo, standard in machine building
- 34CrNiMo6 · 1.6582 – Ni-Cr-Mo, large cross-sections
- 30CrNiMo8 · 1.6580 – next step up in diameter
Where to go next
Chemistry and data are on the material pages. If you want to buy bar, go to round bar in the chosen grade. This page is only the choice between them.
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