Technical guides · Grade selection
Choose a steel grade for the duty, section size and processing.
Start with the part, the loads it carries and its service environment. Then specify the standard, section size, delivery condition, processing steps and inspection records. The guides below explain what to check before asking a supplier to confirm a grade and submitting it for approval.
Follow the buyer's drawing, governing specification, engineering approval and order-specific records. A guide or grade comparison cannot establish interchangeability or fitness for service.
- Guides
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- Items to specify
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Before you order
What to include in your enquiry.
Check the details in this table, then use the guides below for more information.
| Decision area | Define in the inquiry | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Component and duty | Drawing, load mode, section, environment, life and failure concern | Application and material-selection guides |
| Grade system | Controlling standard, edition, exact designation and allowed alternatives | Grade guide and comparison pages |
| Section response | Ruling section, hardenability, heat-treatment route and target evidence | Jominy and delivery-condition guidance |
| Release basis | Inspection, traceability, documents, deviations and approval authority | Inspection and RFQ checklists |
Guide library
Grade selection guides
Find the guide for your material, process or inspection question.
42CrMo4 / 4140 round bar buying guide
What to specify when buying 42CrMo4 or SAE 4140 QT round bar: standard, section size, delivery condition, properties, inspection, and RFQ wording.
Open guide40Cr vs 42CrMo steel selection
A practical comparison of 40Cr and 42CrMo for shafts and other heat-treated parts, including section size, testing, and RFQ points that can change the choice.
Open guideJominy hardenability and section-size evidence for steel bar RFQs
Jominy hardenability is not a finished-part hardness guarantee. Use it with section size, quench route, the required band, and section-relevant verification.
Open guide4140 vs 4130 vs 4340 steel selection for industrial buyers
4130, 4140, and 4340 differ in chemistry and heat-treatment response. Compare them against the real section and required verification—not a grade ranking.
Open guideCK45, C45, and SAE 1045 round bar: compare the standard before the grade name
What changes when a drawing says CK45, C45, C45E, or SAE 1045—and how to write a purchase line that suppliers can quote consistently.
Open guideHydraulic cylinder and piston rod material selection
Compare CK45 / 1045, 40Cr and 42CrMo4 / 4140 for hydraulic piston rods by load case, unsupported length, surface route, straightness and inspection.
Open guideSteel selection for heavy-duty shaft bar RFQs
Choose heavy-duty shaft steel from the load, section, heat-treatment route, and failure consequence. Put section-relevant tests and inspection in the RFQ.
Open guideFastener bar material selection before RFQ
Choose fastener bar from the finished bolt, stud, or threaded component—not from a familiar alloy name. The thread and heat-treatment routes matter.
Open guideGrinding rod material selection
A plant-focused way to compare grinding rod materials using wear, breakage, hardness, heat treatment, inspection, and a controlled mill trial.
Open guideProducts and enquiries
Find the product or send your requirements.
Your enquiry
Send the specifications you have agreed.
Send the grade or approved alternative, standard, dimensions, condition, processing, inspection, documents, quantity, destination, and drawings for review.