4140 Steel Uses

The content of 4140 steel includes chromium, molybdenum and iron. The molybdenum and chromium components give it a uniform hardness, as well as high strength. Because of this strength, 4140 steel is easily machined and responds well to heat treatment. 4140 is a tough steel with high fatigue strength. The list of industries that use it to manufacture their products is extensive because of the versatility found in this grade of steel. It has a tensile strength of 95,000 psi and a yield strength of 60,000 psi. 4140 steel is available for purchase in bar shapes, rods, sheets and strips in sizes suitable for a wide range of uses.

Drill Collars
- 4140 steel bars are available from 0.125 inches to 3 inches thick. It is the most frequently used steel to make drill collars on crossover lift subs utilized for oil and gas drilling. 4140 steel maintains superior mechanical and wear properties even in the large diameter bars which are required for this application.
Machine Parts
- 4140 steel plates are suitable to manufacture heavy duty machine parts largely due to the good abrasion, impact resistance and hardness of the material. This steel does not become brittle after exposure to high furnace temperatures. Steel plates used to forge machine parts are 96 inches by 120 inches in width and length and 1/4 inch to 8 inches in thickness. The plates can be readily forged at 2,012 to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 1,100 to 1,200 degrees Celsius. After forging, the parts are cooled slowly. Some of the machine parts made using steel plates are axles, wrenches, sprockets and oil well drilling bits.
Firearms
- This steel is used by some firearm manufacturers for revolver frames, barrels, actions and pistol frames. Gun barrels made of 4140 steel wear longer than those made of stainless steel. When oil quenched and tempered, 4140 steel becomes even stronger, about 180,000 psi.

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4140 Steel Uses

Drill Collars

Machine Parts

Firearms