21CrMoV5-7 vs 42CrMo4 (Werkstoff 1.7225 / AISI 4140) (EN 10269 Cross-Reference)

21CrMoV5-7 vs 42CrMo4 (Werkstoff 1.7225 / AISI 4140) cross-reference

21CrMoV5-7 (Werkstoff 1.7709) and 42CrMo4 (Werkstoff 1.7225 / AISI 4140) are different bolting grades. 42CrMo4 is the workhorse Cr-Mo Q+T low-alloy with no vanadium; 21CrMoV5-7 adds vanadium for secondary hardening and elevated-temperature creep performance. 42CrMo4 is the cheaper grade for ambient and moderate-temperature service; 21CrMoV5-7 is the step up for service above 450 deg C.

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At a Glance

21CrMoV5-742CrMo4 (AISI 4140)
Werkstoff1.77091.7225
StandardEN 10269 (elevated-temp bolting)EN 10083-3 (Q+T structural)
Service envelopeup to 550 deg Cup to 450 deg C
Vanadium0.20 to 0.35 percentnone
Use caseElevated-temperature boltingWorkhorse Q+T structural and ambient bolting

Chemistry Comparison

Element21CrMoV5-742CrMo4
C0.17 to 0.250.38 to 0.45
Cr1.20 to 1.500.90 to 1.20
Mo0.55 to 0.800.15 to 0.30
V0.20 to 0.35none

Mechanical Comparison

Property21CrMoV5-742CrMo4 (Q+T)
Tensile (Rm)700 to 850 MPa900 to 1100 MPa
0.2 percent proof (RT)≥550 MPa≥650 MPa
Max service temp550 deg C450 deg C

When to Specify Which

Specify 21CrMoV5-7 for elevated-temperature service (450 to 550 deg C) where vanadium-driven secondary hardening sustains creep performance. Specify 42CrMo4 for ambient and moderate-temperature structural bolting, gear shafts, automotive crankshafts and pump shafts where the higher room-temperature tensile is the design driver and temperature is below 450 deg C.

Form Availability

Both grades supplied in round bar and the full bolting form-factor range: stud bolts, hex bolts, heavy hex bolts, tap studs, nuts, washers and threaded rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is 42CrMo4 a bolting steel?
42CrMo4 is a general Q+T structural alloy used for gear shafts, crankshafts, pump shafts, axles and bolting up to 450 deg C. For elevated-temperature bolting above 450 deg C the chemistry lacks vanadium and the design must step up to 21CrMoV5-7.

Q. Can I substitute 42CrMo4 for 21CrMoV5-7 on a turbine flange?
No. 42CrMo4 service envelope caps at 450 deg C. Steam-turbine LP casing flanges already see 200 to 380 deg C; IP and HP exceed 450 deg C. Substituting 42CrMo4 for 21CrMoV5-7 on a turbine bolt risks creep relaxation in service.

Q. What is the AISI equivalent of 42CrMo4?
AISI 4140 / SAE 4140. The chemistry windows are essentially identical: C 0.38 to 0.45, Cr 0.90 to 1.20, Mo 0.15 to 0.30. Dual-cert to 42CrMo4 / AISI 4140 on call-out.

Q. Where does 42CrMo4 appear in EN 10269?
42CrMo4 (1.7225) is listed in EN 10269 as the carbon-Mo-only base grade for moderate-temperature bolting up to 450 deg C. The 21CrMoV5-7, 21CrMoV5-11 and 24CrMoV5-5 family build on the 42CrMo4 chemistry by adding vanadium for elevated-temperature service.

More cross-references: vs ASTM A193 B16 · vs ASTM A193 B7 · vs ASTM A193 B8 · vs 21CrMoV5-11 · vs 24CrMoV5-5 · vs Durehete 1055 · vs 20CDV5.7 (AFNOR) · vs 21HMF (Polish). Back to the 21CrMoV5-7 Alloy Hub.