41Cr4 Steel Number: What Is the Material Number of 41Cr4?

41Cr4 Steel Number: What Is the Material Number of 41Cr4?

🔢 What Is the Material Number of 41Cr4 Steel?

The material number of 41Cr4 steel is 1.7035. It is a European steel identification number, also known as a Werkstoff number. Buyers commonly use this number when searching for European alloy steel specifications, checking material certificates, or comparing supplier quotations.

In practical procurement, the two designations refer to the same grade identification:

Identification	Designation
Steel grade	41Cr4
European material number	1.7035
Steel family	Chromium alloy steel
Typical heat treatment	Quenching and tempering
Common application areas	Shafts, gears, axles and machine components

Why do buyers search for 1.7035?

Steel suppliers and buyers may use different identification systems in their documents. A European drawing may specify 41Cr4, while a purchasing database may use 1.7035. A quotation or material certificate may include both. Searching by both designations helps buyers locate relevant technical information and reduces the risk of overlooking a suitable supply option.

For example, a procurement team sourcing alloy steel plate for machining may search for both “41Cr4 steel plate” and “1.7035 steel plate.” The grade name identifies the material, while the material number provides another way to cross-check the requested designation.

Does 1.7035 identify every detail of the steel?

No. The number identifies the grade, but it does not independently confirm the product dimensions, manufacturing route, heat-treatment condition, inspection requirements, or mechanical properties of a particular batch.

When purchasing, buyers should therefore specify the complete material requirement rather than relying on the material number alone. A correct grade supplied in the wrong condition or outside the required dimensional tolerance may still be unsuitable for production.

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🏷️ What Does the 41Cr4 Steel Grade Designation Mean?

The designation 41Cr4 follows a European alloy steel naming system. Its characters provide a useful indication of the steel’s composition and alloying elements. Understanding the name helps engineers and purchasing teams distinguish 41Cr4 from other chromium steels and similarly named grades.

What does “41” represent?

The number “41” indicates the approximate carbon content category. For this grade, the specified carbon range is commonly around 0.38–0.45% under the EN ISO 683-2:2018 composition reference. It does not mean that the steel contains exactly 41% carbon or that every heat has the same carbon content.

Carbon plays an important role in the hardenability, strength, and hardness that the steel can achieve through heat treatment. This is one reason 41Cr4 is used for components that need a combination of strength and toughness.

What does “Cr” represent?

“Cr” is the chemical symbol for chromium. Chromium is the principal alloying element indicated in the grade name. It contributes to hardenability and helps the steel develop useful mechanical properties during quenching and tempering.

However, 41Cr4 is not stainless steel. Its chromium content is much lower than the level normally associated with stainless steel grades, so buyers should not select it when corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.

What does the final “4” mean?

The final number is part of the European grade designation and helps distinguish this grade within the alloy steel naming system. It is not a direct statement of the chromium percentage. Buyers should always refer to the relevant standard for the actual chemical composition limits instead of trying to calculate the alloy content from the grade name.

In short, 41Cr4 identifies a chromium alloy steel with a medium carbon content. The material number 1.7035 provides its corresponding European identification, while the governing standard defines the detailed technical requirements.

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📚 Which Standards Specify 41Cr4 Steel?

Buyers may encounter 41Cr4 in documents referencing different editions of European steel standards. This does not automatically mean that the supplier has quoted a different grade. Standards are revised over time, and older documents may continue to appear in drawings, purchasing specifications, and company material databases.

EN 10083-3 and EN ISO 683-2

Historically, 41Cr4 appeared in the EN 10083 series for steels for quenching and tempering. EN 10083-3:2006 is one older reference that buyers may still find in technical documents.

For hot-rolled products, DIN EN ISO 683-2:2018 is a later reference covering alloy steels for quenching and tempering. Technical data sheets from steel suppliers identify 41Cr4 with material number 1.7035 under this standard. The standard edition matters because requirements and presentation may change between revisions.

Product form can affect the applicable standard

Not every product form uses the same standard reference. Hot-rolled products, bright products, and forged products may fall under different product standards. For example, EN 10277 has been used for bright steel products, while EN 10250-3 covers certain open-die forgings and related products.

Consequently, a buyer should not assume that a standard quoted for bright bar automatically covers a hot-rolled plate or a forged component. The product form and delivery condition must match the relevant specification.

Reference	Context for buyers
EN 10083-3:2006	Earlier European reference for alloy steels for quenching and tempering.
EN ISO 683-2:2018	Later reference for hot-rolled alloy steels for quenching and tempering.
EN 10277	Reference associated with bright steel products.
EN 10250-3	Reference for certain open-die forgings made from alloy steels.

How should buyers handle an older standard on a drawing?

Do not replace an older standard automatically without checking the engineering requirement. First, confirm whether the drawing refers to a specific edition, product form, or delivery condition. Then compare the relevant requirements with the supplier’s proposed specification.

If a supplier quotes 41Cr4 / 1.7035 but references a different standard edition, ask for clarification before approving the order. This step is particularly important for safety-related or tightly controlled components.

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🧪 Chemical Composition of 41Cr4 (1.7035)

Chemical composition helps buyers verify whether a steel heat falls within the specified grade requirements. For 41Cr4, carbon and chromium are especially important because they influence the steel’s response to hardening and tempering. Manganese and silicon also contribute to the material’s overall characteristics.

The following table gives commonly referenced composition limits for 41Cr4 under EN ISO 683-2:2018. Buyers should confirm the exact requirements in the standard edition and product specification stated on their purchase order.

Element	Composition (%)	General role
Carbon (C)	0.38–0.45	Contributes to hardness and strength after heat treatment.
Silicon (Si)	0.10–0.40	Acts as a deoxidizing element and contributes to strength.
Manganese (Mn)	0.60–0.90	Supports hardenability and strength.
Phosphorus (P)	0.025 max.	A controlled residual element.
Sulfur (S)	0.035 max.	A controlled residual element that can affect machinability and toughness.
Chromium (Cr)	0.90–1.20	Improves hardenability and supports wear resistance after suitable treatment.
Copper (Cu)	0.40 max.	A controlled residual element.

Note: These are standard-related composition limits, not a guaranteed analysis for every 41Cr4 heat. Product analysis tolerances may also apply. The actual heat chemistry should be checked against the material test certificate (MTC).

Standard limits, typical analysis and MTC results are different

Buyers should distinguish three types of chemical information when reviewing a supplier’s documents:

• Standard composition limits: The permitted chemical ranges or maximum values defined by the applicable standard.
• Typical analysis: An illustrative composition published by a steel producer or supplier. It describes a representative production result, not a universal requirement for the grade.
• Actual heat analysis: The measured chemical composition of the specific production heat, normally reported on the MTC.

For procurement approval, the actual heat analysis is particularly important. A typical analysis can help buyers understand the grade, but it cannot replace the certificate for the material being delivered.

Why does the chemical composition matter in production?

The composition influences how 41Cr4 responds to heat treatment and machining. Carbon and chromium contribute to the achievable hardness and hardenability, while manganese also affects hardening response. These elements work together rather than determining performance independently.

For this reason, buyers should evaluate chemical composition alongside product dimensions, heat-treatment requirements, and the intended component geometry. A chemistry result that meets the grade limits does not, by itself, guarantee that a finished component will achieve a particular hardness or mechanical property.

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⚙️ Properties and Heat Treatment of 41Cr4 Steel

41Cr4 is a chromium alloy steel designed for applications where quenching and tempering can provide a useful balance of strength, hardness, and toughness. Its final properties depend on several factors, including the steel’s composition, section size, heat-treatment process, and testing conditions.

Quenching and tempering

Quenching heats the steel to an appropriate hardening temperature and then cools it under controlled conditions. This process increases hardness and strength. Tempering follows quenching to reduce brittleness and adjust the balance between strength and toughness.

Technical data sheets for 41Cr4 commonly show hardening temperatures around 820–860°C and tempering temperatures around 540–680°C. These are reference ranges rather than a universal production recipe. The correct process depends on the product size, equipment, required properties, and applicable technical specification.

Why section size matters

A heat-treatment result achieved on a small test specimen may not represent the properties throughout a much larger steel section. Larger cross-sections can cool differently during quenching, which affects the hardness and strength distribution from the surface to the center.

Therefore, buyers should not apply a mechanical-property figure from one diameter or thickness to every 41Cr4 product. When a component has a substantial section size, confirm the required properties for the relevant dimension range and test location.

Mechanical properties and hardness

41Cr4 can achieve different strength and hardness levels depending on its delivery condition and heat-treatment route. A normalized or annealed product will not have the same mechanical properties as a quenched and tempered product.

When a drawing specifies tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, impact energy, or hardness, buyers should confirm:

• The required delivery condition, such as +A, +N, or +QT where applicable.
• The applicable product standard and size range.
• The specified test method and specimen direction.
• Whether the requirement applies to the supplied steel or to the finished heat-treated component.
• Whether the supplier can provide test results for the ordered batch.

Do not assume that every product sold as 41Cr4 arrives in a quenched and tempered condition. The delivery condition should appear clearly in the quotation, order confirmation, and material documentation.

Machinability and welding considerations

Machining performance depends on the hardness and condition of the supplied material, as well as the cutting tools and machining parameters. Buyers planning extensive machining may prefer to discuss the supply condition with the steel supplier before placing an order.

Welding also requires care. As a medium-carbon alloy steel, 41Cr4 can present a risk of hardening in the heat-affected zone. Welding procedures may require preheating, controlled heat input, and post-weld heat treatment. The correct procedure must be established for the component, thickness, restraint, and service requirements rather than assumed from the grade name alone.

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🔄 41Cr4 Equivalent Grades: Is It the Same as 5140 or 40Cr?

When sourcing 41Cr4 internationally, buyers often compare it with AISI 5140, Chinese 40Cr, and other chromium alloy steels. These grades may serve similar engineering purposes, but a similar application or alloy family does not prove that two materials are fully interchangeable.

Grade	Identification system	Buyer consideration
41Cr4	European grade, 1.7035	Reference grade for comparison.
AISI 5140	SAE / AISI designation	Often considered a close counterpart, but chemistry limits and requirements can differ.
40Cr	Chinese GB grade	Similar chromium alloy steel category; verify the relevant GB standard and product requirements.
SCr440	Japanese JIS grade	Compare the applicable JIS edition and actual chemical and mechanical requirements.

41Cr4 and AISI 5140

AISI 5140 is frequently listed as a comparable grade to 41Cr4. Both belong to the chromium alloy steel family and are used for components that may require quenching and tempering.

Nevertheless, their standard chemistry ranges are not identical. For example, commonly referenced 41Cr4 limits under EN ISO 683-2:2018 include carbon of 0.38–0.45% and chromium of 0.90–1.20%. AISI 5140 specifications commonly use different ranges, including chromium around 0.70–0.90% and carbon around 0.38–0.43%, depending on the applicable specification.

As a result, buyers should treat 5140 as a possible comparison grade, not an automatic one-to-one replacement. The engineering team should approve the substitution after reviewing the governing standards, chemistry, mechanical properties, and heat-treatment requirements.

41Cr4 and 40Cr

Chinese 40Cr is another grade that buyers may encounter when comparing international supply options. It has a similar medium-carbon chromium alloy steel profile and is widely used for mechanical components.

However, the GB standard for 40Cr and the European specification for 41Cr4 define their own chemical and mechanical requirements. Differences in carbon, chromium, manganese, residual elements, product dimensions, and testing rules may affect whether a substitution is acceptable.

How should buyers approve an equivalent grade?

Rather than relying only on an equivalence chart, compare the complete technical requirements. Check the chemistry limits, mechanical properties, heat-treatment condition, product form, dimensional range, and inspection requirements. If the component is safety-critical or subject to customer approval, obtain written engineering acceptance before changing the grade.

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🏭 Where Is 41Cr4 Steel Used?

41Cr4 is used in mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing, particularly for components that need a combination of strength, toughness, and resistance to wear. Its suitability depends on the component design, section size, heat treatment, and operating conditions.

Shafts and transmission components

Transmission shafts and other rotating components may experience torsional loads, bending stress, and repeated operating cycles. A suitable quenched and tempered 41Cr4 condition can provide the mechanical properties needed for these applications.

For shaft production, buyers should consider the finished diameter, machining allowance, required straightness, and mechanical-property distribution. These factors can affect material selection and processing cost.

Gears and drive components

41Cr4 may be used for certain gears, drive elements, and machine components that require a balance of strength and toughness. However, the correct steel grade depends on the contact stress, fatigue requirements, surface hardness, and component design.

Do not confuse 41Cr4 with a dedicated case-hardening steel. Although some components made from 41Cr4 may receive surface-related treatments, its typical role is as a steel for quenching and tempering. Applications requiring a specifically carburized case-hardening grade may call for a different material.

Axles and general engineering parts

Axles, axle journals, steering components, and other mechanical parts are among the applications associated with 41Cr4. These components can face combined loads, so the required strength and toughness should be considered together rather than selecting the steel based only on hardness.

Is 41Cr4 suitable for every high-strength component?

No. Material selection depends on more than the nominal grade. A component with a large cross-section, severe impact loading, high fatigue demand, or special corrosion requirements may need another material or a different heat-treatment route.

Before choosing 41Cr4, engineers should review the service conditions and confirm that the material can meet the design requirements in the actual component size. Buyers should communicate those requirements to the supplier so that the quoted product form and delivery condition are appropriate.

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📋 What Should Buyers Check When Purchasing 41Cr4?

For international steel procurement, confirming the material number is important, but it is not enough to approve a purchase. Buyers should make sure that the supplier understands the required specification and can provide the correct product in the required condition.

1. Confirm the grade and material number

State both 41Cr4 and 1.7035 in the inquiry or purchase order. This gives the supplier two matching identification references and helps prevent confusion with 41CrS4 or other similar designations.

2. Specify the standard and edition

Identify the required standard, such as EN ISO 683-2:2018 where applicable. If the drawing uses an older standard, clarify whether the buyer requires that exact edition or accepts a technically reviewed alternative.

3. Confirm dimensions and product form

Specify whether the requirement is for plate, round bar, bright bar, or another product form. Include thickness or diameter, width, length, dimensional tolerance, and any machining allowance. Do not assume that a supplier’s general 41Cr4 listing covers every size or product form.

4. State the delivery condition

Make clear whether the material is required in an annealed, normalized, quenched and tempered, or other specified condition. The condition can affect machinability, hardness, lead time, and the subsequent production route.

5. Request the material test certificate

Ask for an MTC that identifies the steel grade, material number, heat number, chemical analysis, and relevant mechanical test results. Confirm that the certificate corresponds to the material supplied and that the reported results meet the purchase specification.

6. Agree on inspection and traceability

For projects with additional quality requirements, clarify the inspection scope before production or shipment. Depending on the order, buyers may request ultrasonic testing, third-party inspection, dimensional inspection, or specific documentation. These requirements should be agreed in advance rather than assumed to be included in every quotation.

7. Check packaging and export arrangements

International shipments require suitable protection against handling damage, moisture, and corrosion. Confirm whether the supplier will use anti-rust protection, strapping or bundling, and wooden packaging where required. Also check the marking and traceability information needed for receiving inspection.

For a practical quotation, buyers can provide the grade, material number, standard, dimensions, delivery condition, quantity, inspection requirements, and destination. This information helps suppliers assess availability and prepare a quotation that is more closely aligned with the actual project.

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🏢 Why Source 41Cr4 Steel from Otai?

• 41Cr4 / 5140 steel plate thickness: 4–300 mm in stock.
• 10,000+ tons of steel inventory to support a range of industrial purchasing requirements.
• 20 saw-cutting machines for cutting services and order preparation.
• CNC machining and grinding services to support customized dimensions and tolerances.
• One-stop service covering material supply, cutting, machining coordination, and export packaging.
• Experience exporting steel products to more than 54 countries since 1999.
• Material documentation and traceability support, with ultrasonic testing and third-party inspection available when required and agreed.
• Anti-rust protection, strapping, bundling, and wooden export packaging options.
• Support for international buyers who need stable supply, practical processing services, and cost-effective sourcing.

Otai supplies alloy steel and tool steel to international customers. For buyers sourcing 41Cr4 / 1.7035 plate, the available thickness range of 4–300 mm can support different machining and manufacturing requirements.

To review the product information, visit the 41Cr4 / 1.7035 steel product page. When sending an inquiry, include your required dimensions, quantity, delivery condition, applicable standard, and inspection requirements so the supply details can be checked against your project specification.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the material number of 41Cr4 steel?

The European material number of 41Cr4 steel is 1.7035. Buyers may see both designations on technical data sheets, quotations, and material test certificates.

2. Is 41Cr4 the same as 1.7035?

Yes. 41Cr4 is the steel grade designation, while 1.7035 is its corresponding European material number. Both identify the same grade, although the applicable standard and product requirements still need confirmation.

3. Is 41Cr4 equivalent to AISI 5140?

AISI 5140 is commonly considered a comparable grade to 41Cr4 because both are chromium alloy steels used for similar engineering applications. However, their chemical composition limits and standard requirements are not identical. Confirm the technical requirements before approving a substitution.

4. What is the difference between 41Cr4 and 41CrS4?

41Cr4 has material number 1.7035, while 41CrS4 has material number 1.7039. The “S” in 41CrS4 indicates a resulfurized free-cutting variant with a higher specified sulfur range. This difference can influence machinability and other material characteristics, so the grades should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the application requirements.

5. Is 41Cr4 a stainless steel?

No. 41Cr4 is a chromium alloy steel for applications such as quenching and tempering. Its chromium content does not make it stainless steel, and it should not be selected where stainless-level corrosion resistance is required.

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