50CrMo4 vs 42CrMo4: Same Cr-Mo family, different carbon for different applications
50CrMo4 vs 42CrMo4
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
50CrMo4
1.7228
High-carbon Cr-Mo steel for springs and high-strength applications. Higher carbon than 42CrMo4 for greater hardness and spring properties. Used for coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, highly stressed bolts, and heavy-duty shafts.
42CrMo4
1.7225
High-strength quenched and tempered chromium-molybdenum steel. Widely used for shafts, gears, crankshafts, connecting rods, and high-strength bolts. Excellent hardenability and good fatigue resistance.
| 50CrMo4 | 42CrMo4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.7228 | 1.7225 |
| Category | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-3 | EN 10083-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 50CrMo4 | 42CrMo4 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.46–0.54% | 0.38–0.45% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.5–0.8% | 0.6–0.9% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 50CrMo4 | 42CrMo4 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 1000–1200 | 900–1100 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 780 | ≥ 650 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 10 | ≥ 12 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
Both are EN 10083-3 Cr-Mo steels. 50CrMo4 has higher carbon (0.46-0.54% vs 0.38-0.45%) for greater hardness — used for springs. 42CrMo4 is the general-purpose grade with better machinability and weldability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 50CrMo4 the same as 42CrMo4?
50CrMo4 and 42CrMo4 have a 85% composition overlap. Same Cr-Mo family, different carbon for different applications
Can I replace 50CrMo4 with 42CrMo4?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (85%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 50CrMo4 and 42CrMo4?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. 50CrMo4 is a Alloy Steel grade, while 42CrMo4 is a Alloy Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.