SCM-420 alloy steel

Introduction

We manufacture forging ingots, billets, and blooms in alloy steel specifically for SCM-420, tailored for high-performance engineering and case hardening applications. SCM-420 is a low carbon chromium-molybdenum alloy steel widely used for carburized components requiring high surface hardness combined with a tough and ductile core. It is specially designed for parts subjected to wear, shock loading, and repeated mechanical stress.

The chromium content enhances hardenability and wear resistance, while molybdenum improves strength, fatigue resistance, and resistance to temper brittleness. SCM-420 provides excellent machinability in the annealed condition and shows superior performance after carburizing and heat treatment, making it suitable for demanding automotive and engineering applications.

This steel offers a strong balance of durability, wear resistance, and reliability for high-performance mechanical components.

Chemical composition

Element Content (%) Function / effect
Carbon (c) 0.18 – 0.23 Provides core toughness and supports carburizing
Manganese (mn) 0.60 – 0.85 Improves hardenability and strength
Silicon (si) 0.15 – 0.35 Enhances strength and elasticity
Chromium (cr) 0.90 – 1.20 Improves hardenability and wear resistance
Molybdenum (mo) 0.15 – 0.30 Improves fatigue strength and high-temperature stability
Phosphorus (p) Max 0.030 Impurity; lower content improves toughness
Sulphur (s) Max 0.030 Impurity; controlled content improves machinability

Mechanical properties (typical, depending on condition & heat treatment)

  • Tensile strength: 700 – 950 MPa (core, heat treated)
  • Yield strength: 450 – 650 MPa
  • Surface hardness (after carburizing): 58 – 62 HRC
  • Core toughness: High
  • Fatigue resistance: Excellent

Heat treatment

  • carburizing: heating in a carbon-rich environment to increase surface carbon content and achieve high surface hardness.
  • quenching: rapid cooling after carburizing to form a hard martensitic surface layer.
  • tempering: reheating to relieve internal stresses and improve core toughness while maintaining required hardness.
  • annealing: performed before machining to improve workability.

The heat treatment cycle can be customized based on case depth and service requirements.

Key features and benefits

  • excellent carburizing properties for high surface hardness
  • tough and ductile core providing shock resistance
  • high wear resistance for extended service life
  • superior fatigue resistance under cyclic loading
  • good machinability in annealed condition
  • dimensional stability after heat treatment
  • suitable for precision and high-performance engineering applications

Typical applications

  • automotive transmission gears and pinions
  • shafts, splined shafts, and axle components
  • camshafts and crankshaft components
  • bushings, couplings, and bearings
  • forged and carburized engineering components
  • heavy-duty precision mechanical parts

Equivalent steel grades

SCM-420 has several international near equivalents, including:

  • 20crmo4 (en 10084) – european carburizing alloy steel
  • AISI 4120 – american chromium-molybdenum carburizing steel
  • din 1.7243 – german equivalent grade

Why choose SCM-420 for your application?

SCM-420 is widely used for components requiring high wear resistance along with strong core toughness. Its excellent carburizing response ensures long service life and improved fatigue performance. Additionally, its reliable heat treatment characteristics and machinability help optimize manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Comparison table for similar grades

Grade Carbon (%) Key applications Heat treatment Comments
SCM-420 0.18 – 0.23 Gears, shafts, automotive components Carburizing, quenching & tempering Excellent case hardening steel
20crmo4 0.17 – 0.24 Engineering and automotive parts Carburizing European equivalent grade
Aisi 4120 0.18 – 0.23 Transmission and machinery components Carburizing American equivalent
Din 1.7243 0.18 – 0.23 Precision engineering parts Carburizing German equivalent grade

Summary

SCM-420 is a premium chromium-molybdenum carburizing alloy steel designed for case hardening applications in automotive and engineering industries. It delivers excellent surface hardness, core strength, and durability for critical mechanical components.