PACIFIC MOLY-KROME^® is available in four conditions: heat treated (quenched and tempered), annealed, normalized and as rolled. It is a widely used medium carbon alloy steel which is relatively inexpensive considering the hardenability it offers. AISI/SAE 4142 has been a standard of the industry for many moderate to severe service applications. It is readily machined, easily forged and exhibits good response to heat treating by furnace, flame and induction hardening. MOLY-KROME^® can also be nitrided and is weldable using proper procedures. Both annealed and heat treated (Q & T) rounds in sizes 3-1/4" through 11" are rough turned oversize, calcium treated, vacuum degassed and ultrasonic tested.

MOLY-KROME^® HEAT TREATED: This grade is quenched and tempered at the mill to a strong, tough yet machinable condition and usually requires no further heat treatment after finish machining (unless surface hardened by flame or induction). Mechanical properties are tested and certified by the supplying mill to ASTM standards A193, grade B7 and A434, class BC. (See 4340 Heat Treated for higher strength ASTM A434, Class BD.)

MOLY-KROME^® ANNEALED: Pearlitic annealing produces the best machinability, the lowest hardness, the most stress free condition and the lowest strength for MOLY-KROME^®. Parts made with the annealed condition generally require heat treating prior to being placed in service. Therefore, Annealed MOLY-KROME^® is usually considered for parts requiring higher mechanical properties than offered by the heat treated grade; parts are machined and then heat treated.

MOLY-KROME^® NORMALIZED: Heating above the critical temperature and cooling in still air produces the normalized structure. This refines the as rolled grain structure and gives mechanical properties between the quenched and tempered and the annealed conditions. This has been the traditional condition for stocking hot rolled flats and squares. Normalized MOLY-KROME^® can be heat treated to higher strength/hardness levels by quenching and tempering.

MOLY-KROME^® AS ROLLED (NATURAL): These bars have no controlled thermal treatment after hot rolling. Consequently machinability is inconsistent, as are mechanical properties. This condition should be considered for hot forging applications where further heat treating will be required for finished parts.