SCM415 ALLOY Steel | 15CrMo | 1.7262

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SCM415 Alloy Steel is a widely used chromium-molybdenum alloy steel specified under Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS G4053). It’s engineered for mechanical structural components that demand a good combination of strength and toughness.

1. Chemical Composition

  • Carbon (C): 0.13% – 0.18%:
  • Silicon (Si): 0.15% – 0.35%
  • Manganese (Mn): 0.60% – 0.90%
  • Phosphorus (P): Max 0.030%
  • Sulfur (S): Max 0.030%
  • Chromium (Cr): 0.90% – 1.20%
  • Molybdenum (Mo): 0.15% – 0.25%
  • Copper (Cu): Max 0.30%

2. Heat Treatment Process

The transformation of SCM415 alloy steel into a high-performance material involves critical SCM415 alloy steel heat treatment stages. While specific parameters are adaptable, the fundamental sequence is:

Stage

Process Overview

Key Objective(s) for SCM415 Steel

Typical Temperature Range (General Guidance)

1. Preparation

Normalizing or Annealing

Refine grain structure, homogenize material, or soften for machinability.

Varies based on prior processing.

2. Carburizing

Heating the SCM415 component in a controlled, carbon-rich atmosphere.

Diffuse carbon into the steel’s surface to create a hard case, crucial for SCM415 carburizing.

900°C – 925°C (1650°F – 1700°F).

3. Hardening

Austenitizing the carburized part, followed by rapid cooling (quenching).

Transform case to hard martensite; harden core. Oil quenching is common for SCM415 hardening.

Austenitizing temperature varies.

4. Tempering

Reheating the quenched SCM415 part to a specific temperature below its critical point.

Relieve stress and improve case/core toughness, vital for SCM415 tempering.

Varies based on desired final properties.

Detailed Steps in SCM415 Heat Treatment:

  1. Preparation (Normalizing or Annealing):

    • Normalizing: SCM415 steel is heated to an austenitizing temperature and air-cooled. This refines the grain structure and homogenizes the material.

    • Annealing: Involves heating and slow cooling, primarily to soften SCM415 for machining or forming operations.

  2. Carburizing SCM415: The SCM415 component is heated (typically 900°C – 925°C) in a carbon-rich atmosphere. Carbon diffuses into the surface, forming a case. The case depth depends on temperature and time at temperature.

  3. Hardening SCM415 (Austenitizing and Quenching): After carburizing (sometimes with an intermediate cooling/reheating step), SCM415 is heated to its austenitizing temperature and then rapidly cooled (quenched). Oil quenching is a common practice for SCM415, effectively transforming the high-carbon surface to hard martensite and hardening the core, while minimizing distortion and cracking risk compared to water quenching.

  4. Tempering SCM415: Following quenching, SCM415 components are tempered by reheating to a specific temperature below the lower critical temperature (A1). This step is crucial for improving the toughness of both the hard case and core, relieving stresses from quenching, and achieving the desired balance of mechanical properties.

3. Common Industrial Uses of SCM415 Alloy Steel

Drawing from established industry standards and the inherent properties of carburizing steels like SCM415, its primary application areas are outlined below. These highlight where the material’s unique attributes deliver tangible performance benefits.

3.1 Machine Tubes

SCM415 is explicitly designated for “Alloy Steel Tubes for Machine Purposes” under the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS G 3441, specifically noted as grade “S CM 415 TK”. This makes it a preferred material for:

  • Structural tubing within various types of machinery.
  • Mechanical components that require robust, high-strength tubular forms.

These particular SCM415 alloy steel applications directly leverage the material’s inherent strength, which is further enhanced by the superior surface properties achieved after carburizing.

3.2 Machinery and Automotive Components

The well-balanced combination of a hardened surface and a resilient core makes SCM415, much like other low-carbon carburizing alloy steels (such as those in the SAE 8620 and 4320 series), highly suitable for a wide array of machinery and automotive parts. These applications typically demand:

  • Exceptional resistance to various forms of wear and abrasion.
  • Good contact fatigue strength to endure repetitive loading.
  • Sufficient core toughness to withstand operational stresses and potential impacts.

Specific components where the distinct properties of SCM415 are particularly valuable include:

  • Gears: The carburized surface provides excellent wear resistance on gear teeth, extending service life.
  • Shafts: Combining surface hardness with core strength is essential for reliable power transmission and load-bearing.
  • Pins and Axles: These parts benefit from the material’s durability and resistance to fatigue failure.

These SCM415 alloy steel applications are critical in ensuring the longevity, reliability, and safe operation of industrial equipment and vehicles.

3.3 Bearing Components

The fundamental characteristics of carburized SCM415, as a Cr-Ni-Mo alloy steel, make it a strong candidate for various bearing components. The ability to achieve high surface hardness, good wear resistance, and notable rolling contact fatigue resistance is key for such parts. While some highly specialized bearing applications may utilize other specific high-alloy grades (like SAE 4320 for high-duty railway axle-bearings), potential SCM415 alloy steel applications in this sector include:

  • Standard-duty bearings where a hard, wear-resistant surface is essential.
  • Parts requiring a durable surface combined with a tough, shock-absorbing core.

3.4 General Purpose Forgings

SCM415 alloy steel is also effectively utilized for a variety of forgings that require carburizing to achieve specific, engineered surface hardness and core toughness. These general SCM415 alloy steel applications often align with broader specifications, such as ASTM A837/A 837M, which cover alloy steel forgings intended for carburizing. This allows for the manufacture of custom-shaped parts, precisely tailored to meet demanding mechanical requirements in diverse applications.

3.5 Summary of SCM415 Application Advantages

To better illustrate why SCM415 is consistently chosen for these demanding roles, the following table summarizes its key attributes when properly carburized:

Application Sector

Key SCM415 Attributes (Post-Carburizing)

Example Components

Machine Elements

High Surface Hardness, Good Core Toughness

Machine Tubes (per JIS G 3441), Structural Parts

Machinery Parts

Excellent Wear Resistance, Contact Fatigue Strength

Gears, Shafts, Pins, Axles

Automotive Systems

Enhanced Durability, Resistance to Operational Stress

Drivetrain components, Various stressed engine parts

Bearing Applications

High Surface Hardness, Good Wear Resistance, Fatigue Life

Certain types of bearing races, rollers, and cages

Forged Components

Tailored Surface/Core Properties, Overall Strength

Custom forgings needing a hard case and tough core

The successful and effective utilization of SCM415 alloy steel applications is heavily reliant on correct heat treatment protocols, particularly the carburizing process, to fully unlock its designed performance potential. For your specific component requirements, detailed technical specifications, or inquiries regarding SCM415 supply, our experienced team at Aobo Steel is readily available to provide expert assistance.

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