FAQ

FORGING
Type 4130 steel should be forged between 2250 and 1750 º F (1230 and 950 º C.) The lower the finishing temperature from forging, the finer will be the grain size. If the alloy is forged at too low a temperature, there is a risk of the formation of a non-uniform structure in certain areas of the forged part, necessitating a normalizing treatment - prior to further heat treatment - after forging.

HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment after forging is carried out to render the steel suitable for machining, and to meet the mechanical property limits specified for the steel's particular applications. There are several ways to heat treat a given steel part and it is only through practice that the optimum temperature and conditions may be defined. The following information should be taken as a guide only.
heavier sections in water.

TEMPERING
Tempering is carried out to relieve stresses from the hardening process, but primarily to obtain mechanical properties required for the final application. The actual tempering temperature will be chosen to meet the required properties, and in many cases will be a matter of trial and error.

MACHINABILITY
The alloy is readily machinable. Simple shapes might be machined following a normalizing treatment, whereas more complex shapes will require annealing. For optimum machinability a coarse pearlitic structure with minimum ferrite is normally recommended.

Weldability of 4130 is good, and the alloy may be welded using any commercial method.