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E: enquiry@qilumetal.com
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Grade: DIN 1.6773 36NiCrMo16
DIN 1.6773 (36NiCrMo16) is a high-performance, nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel whose exceptional mechanical properties are directly derived from its precisely balanced chemical composition. With a carbon content of 0.32-0.39%, it achieves a strong, hardenable matrix. The high nickel content (3.6-4.1%) is the key differentiator, providing superior toughness and fatigue resistance, especially under cyclic loads and low temperatures. Chromium (1.6-2.0%) enhances hardenability and wear resistance, while molybdenum (0.25-0.45%) refines grain structure and maintains strength at elevated temperatures.
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36NiCrMo16
Qilu
DIN 36NiCrMo16 (Material Number 1.6773) is a premium nickel-chromium-molybdenum (Ni-Cr-Mo) alloy steel, specifically designed for components that demand the highest levels of strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. As a quenched and tempered (QT) steel defined by the European standard EN 10083-3 and EN 10250-3, it is the material of choice for critical, high-stress applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive engineering, and heavy industrial machinery.
After precision quenching and tempering, 1.6773 achieves tensile strength up to 1450MPa for small-sized components, with retained impact resistance and wear durability across all size ranges. Hunan Qilu Steel manufactures this grade in a full range of forms—cold-drawn bars, hot-rolled bars, open die forgings, hot-rolled plates, and forged blocks—all subjected to strict quality control from raw material selection to final surface finishing, ensuring 100% compliance with EN standards and custom customer specifications. Whether for small-batch precision aerospace parts or large-scale industrial forgings, 1.6773 delivers consistent, reliable performance across diverse applications.
Every alloying element in 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 is precisely calibrated to enhance mechanical performance, with ultra-low impurity levels to minimize brittleness and improve processability. The full chemical composition is as follows:
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni |
1.6773/ 36NiCrMo16 | 0.32-0.39 | 0.40Max | 0.50-0.80 | 0.025Max | 0.025Max | 1.60-2.00 | 0.25-0.45 | 3.60-4.10 |
Carbon (0.32-0.39%): Establishes base strength and hardenability, enabling the steel to reach high tensile values after heat treatment without excessive brittleness.
Nickel (3.60-4.10%): The defining alloy element—boosts toughness and fatigue resistance, reduces low-temperature brittleness, and enhances resistance to cyclic loads (critical for crankshafts, gears, and landing gear).
Chromium (1.60-2.00%): Improves surface hardness, wear resistance, and mild corrosion resistance, protecting high-contact components from environmental damage and extending service life.
Molybdenum (0.25-0.45%): Enhances high-temperature strength and hardenability, ensuring uniform hardness across thick sections—essential for large forgings like turbine shafts and marine crankshafts.
Silicon & Manganese: Act as deoxidizers during smelting, refine the steel’s microstructure, and improve overall mechanical stability.
Ultra-low P/S (≤0.025%): Minimizes intergranular brittleness and improves weldability (with proper pre/post-weld treatment).
Mechanical properties of 1.6773 vary slightly by size to account for heat treatment uniformity, with strict compliance to EN 10083-3 (rolled/drawn) and EN 10250-3 (open die forgings). All test samples are prepared in accordance with EN standards (12.5mm below heat-treated surface for rolled/drawn; 4/T below surface for forgings).
Mechanical properties for 36NiCrMo16 quenching and tempering alloy steel according to EN10083-3.
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤8 | 1250-1450Mpa | 1050Mpa Min | 9% Min | 40% Min | / |
16＜d≤40 8＜t≤20 | 1250-1450Mpa | 1050Mpa Min | 9% Min | 40%Min | 30J Min |
40＜d≤100 20＜t≤60 | 1100-1300Mpa | 900Mpa Min | 10% Min | 45%Min | 35J Min |
100＜d≤160 60＜t≤100 | 1000-1200Mpa | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 50%Min | 45J Min |
160＜d≤250 100＜t≤160 | 1000-1200Mpa | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 50%Min | 45J Min |
Across all forging sizes (d≤160mm, 160＜d≤330mm, 330＜d≤660mm), 1.6773 maintains consistent high performance:
Tensile Strength: ≥1000MPa
Yield Strength: ≥800MPa
Longitudinal Elongation: ≥11% | Transverse Elongation: ≥8%
Longitudinal Impact Value (RT): ≥45J | Transverse Impact Value (RT): ≥22J
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||
d≤160 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
160＜d≤330 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
330＜d≤660 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
Remark: L= Longitudinal Tr = Transverse
Hardenability—the ability to achieve uniform hardness across the cross-section—is a standout feature of 1.6773, supported by its high Ni and Mo content. This grade can be customized for normal (+H), high (+HH), or low (+HL) hardenability to match specific application requirements, with precise surface hardness achievable via targeted heat treatment:
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Flame or Induction hardening | 53HRC |
Soft annealed (+A) | HB269Max |
Quenched and tempred (+QT) | HRC28-32(Common Range) |
Where the steel is ordered by using the symbols for normal (+H) or restricted (+HL, +HH) hardenability requirements, the hardenability values should apply below:
Distance in mm from quenched end | ||||||||||||||||
Distance | 1.5 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | |
Hardness In HRC + H | max | 57 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
min | 50 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | |
Hardness In HRC + HH | max | 57 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
min | 52 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | |
Hardness In HRC + HL | max | 55 | 54 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
min | 50 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | |
Scatter bands for the Rockwell - C hardness in the end quench hardenability test.
+HH grade ensures deeper hardening for thick-section components, while +HL grade prevents over-hardening for thin-section precision parts—both maintaining uniform hardness distribution critical for high-stress applications.
Hunan Qilu Steel offers 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 in a full range of product forms with strict tolerance controls for precision and general industrial applications.
| Product Type | Size Range | Length | Surface Finish & Tolerance | Straightness |
| Cold Drawn Bar | Φ3-Φ80mm | 6000-9000mm | Turned (+0/+3mm); Ground/Polished (+0/+0.05mm) | ≤1mm/1000mm |
| Hot Rolled Bar | Φ16-Φ310mm | 6000-9000mm | Peeled (+0/+0.1mm); Black Rolled (+0/+1mm) | ≤3mm/1000mm |
| Hot Forged Bar | Φ100-Φ1200mm | 3000-5800mm | Black Forged (+0/+5mm) | Custom |
| Hot Rolled Plate | 3-200mm (T); 1500-2500mm (W) | 2000-5800mm | Black Rolled/Machined (+0/+3mm, milled) | Custom |
| Hot Forged Block | 80-800mm (T); 100-2500mm (W) | 2000-5800mm | Black Forged/Machined | Custom |
Note: Hot-rolled/hot-forged bars are custom-produced (no stock) due to low domestic China demand, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 10 tons; small-batch cold-drawn bars are available with extended lead times.
36NiCrMo16 1.6773 is engineered for critical, high-stress components where strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance are non-negotiable. Its unique properties make it the material of choice for the following industries and applications:
Aircraft Landing Gear: Withstands extreme landing shocks (1450MPa tensile strength for small parts) and repeated cyclic loads.
Engine Drive Shafts/Turbine Components: Mo-enhanced high-temperature strength and Ni-boosted fatigue resistance for jet engine turbine blades, casings, and rotational shafts.
Aerospace Structural Brackets: Balanced toughness and strength for airframe components subjected to temperature fluctuations and dynamic loads.
Racing/Commercial Vehicle Crankshafts & Connecting Rods: Resists cyclic bending/torsional stress (30-45J impact value prevents cracking).
Transmission Gears & Differential Shafts: Flame-hardened 53HRC surface for wear resistance, with HRC28-32 tough core to absorb meshing shock.
Heavy Truck Axles & Suspension Components: Uniform hardness for thick sections and resistance to off-road impact/fatigue.
Marine/Industrial Diesel Engine Crankshafts: Φ660mm forgings with uniform hardness for large marine generators and power plant equipment.
Mining/Construction Machinery Gears/Bearings: Cr/Mo wear resistance for dusty, high-load mining drills, excavator arms, and conveyor systems.
Gas Turbine Shafts: Withstands high rotational speeds and elevated temperatures in power generation and industrial turbine systems.
High-Load Precision Bearings: Tight ground/polished tolerances (+0/+0.05mm) for smooth operation, with toughness to prevent premature failure.
Robotics & Tooling Shafts: Low sulfur content (≤0.025%) reduces machining defects for tight dimensional accuracy in automated manufacturing equipment.
Hydraulic Cylinder Rods: Wear resistance and high tensile strength for heavy-duty hydraulic systems in construction and manufacturing.
Customers frequently compare 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 with other high-strength Ni-Cr-Mo steels (e.g., AISI 4340/1.6511, 40NiCrMo22). Below is a comprehensive comparison of 1.6773 with its most common alternatives, highlighting key differences in composition, mechanical properties, and application suitability—the most searched comparison by global buyers:
AISI 4340 is the most widely used high-strength alloy steel, but 1.6773 outperforms it in toughness, fatigue resistance, and hardenability for thick sections—the primary reasons for its use in extreme applications.
| Aspect | 36NiCrMo16 (1.6773) | AISI 4340 (1.6511) | Key Advantage of 1.6773 |
| Nickel Content | 3.6-4.1% | 1.6-2.0% | 2x higher Ni = superior toughness/fatigue resistance for cyclic loads |
| Max Tensile Strength | 1450MPa (small size) | ~1250MPa | 16% higher strength for extreme stress |
| Max Forging Size | Φ1200mm (uniform hardness) | ≤Φ500mm (hardness variation) | Uniform hardness in ultra-thick forgings |
| Impact Value (RT) | 45J (d≤250mm) | 30J (d≤250mm) | Higher toughness for shock-loaded components |
| Hardenability Grade Options | +H/+HH/+HL | No custom grades | Tailored hardenability for specific part sizes |
Application Note: Use 1.6773 for aerospace/ marine components and large forgings; AISI 4340 is suitable for general high-strength industrial applications (lower cost).
40NiCrMo22 is a higher-nickel alloy steel, but 1.6773 offers a cost-effective balance of strength and processability, with better machinability and weldability (with treatment).
| Aspect | 36NiCrMo16 (1.6773) | 40NiCrMo22 (1.6566) | Key Advantage of 1.6773 |
| Carbon Content | 0.32-0.39% | 0.37-0.45% | Lower C = better weldability/machinability |
| Machinability (Soft Annealed) | ≤HB269 | ≤HB285 | Easier pre-machining with standard tools |
| MOQ & Lead Time | 10 tons (custom); small cold-drawn available | 20 tons (custom) | More flexible ordering for small-batch projects |
| Cost | Mid-range | Premium (high Ni) | 20-30% lower cost for comparable strength in most applications |
Application Note: Use 40NiCrMo22 for ultra-low-temperature applications; 1.6773 is the optimal choice for most high-stress industrial/aerospace applications (cost-performance ratio).
A1: 1.6773 is a European exclusive grade with no direct ASTM/JIS equivalent. The closest alternative is AISI 4340 (ASTM A29/A108), but as highlighted in the grade comparison, 1.6773 offers superior nickel content and hardenability. For Japanese standards, SCM440 is a distant alternative (lower Ni/Mo, inferior fatigue resistance).
A2: Three core heat treatment processes are used for 1.6773, tailored to application requirements (all parameters follow EN standards):
Soft Annealing: Heat to 650-700℃, hold 2-4 hours, furnace cool. Goal: Reduce hardness to ≤HB269 for easy machining.
Normalizing: Heat to 880-950℃, hold 1-2 hours, air cool. Goal: Refine microstructure and prepare for quenching (improves QT uniformity).
Quenching & Tempering (QT): Heat to 865-885℃ (885℃ for oil quenching, 865℃ for water quenching), quench in water/oil/air, then temper at 550-650℃ for 2-3 hours. Goal: Achieve HRC28-32 hardness with 1000-1450MPa tensile strength and balanced toughness.
A3: 1.6773 has poor weldability due to high carbon (＞0.25%) and alloy content, which increases cracking risk. To minimize defects, follow these critical steps:
Preheat the steel to 200-300℃ before welding to reduce thermal stress.
Use low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g., E8018-B2) to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC).
Maintain a slow cooling rate after welding (furnace cool for thick sections).
Perform post-weld annealing at 600-650℃ to relieve internal stress.
Avoid welding thick sections (＞50mm) without preheating—this drastically increases cracking risk.
Note: Welding is not recommended for critical load-bearing components; mechanical joining is preferred where possible.
A4: Yes. We offer a full range of international standard testing and certifications to meet customer and industry requirements, including critical aerospace applications:
Mechanical Testing: Tensile (EN 10002-1), impact (EN 10045-1), hardness (EN ISO 6508-1).
Chemical Analysis: Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for precise elemental composition verification.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic Testing (UT, EN 10160), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT, EN 10228-1) for internal/external defect detection.
Certifications: EN 10204 3.1B (mill test certificate) and 3.2 (independent third-party inspection certificate)—the gold standard for aerospace and marine industries.
A5: Our quality control covers the entire production process:
Raw material inspection: Verify chemical composition of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum to ensure compliance with EN standards.
Smelting control: Precision temperature control and deoxidation to minimize impurities.
Forging/rolling control: Uniform deformation to refine microstructure and avoid internal defects.
Heat treatment control: Computerized temperature and time control for consistent QT performance.
Final inspection: 100% dimensional check, hardness testing, and random NDT for each batch.
Contact Us: For a custom quote, technical consultation, or sample request for 36NiCrMo16 1.6773, please reach out to our sales team via the inquiry form or direct contact—we respond within 24 hours for all global inquiries.
DIN 36NiCrMo16 (Material Number 1.6773) is a premium nickel-chromium-molybdenum (Ni-Cr-Mo) alloy steel, specifically designed for components that demand the highest levels of strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. As a quenched and tempered (QT) steel defined by the European standard EN 10083-3 and EN 10250-3, it is the material of choice for critical, high-stress applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive engineering, and heavy industrial machinery.
After precision quenching and tempering, 1.6773 achieves tensile strength up to 1450MPa for small-sized components, with retained impact resistance and wear durability across all size ranges. Hunan Qilu Steel manufactures this grade in a full range of forms—cold-drawn bars, hot-rolled bars, open die forgings, hot-rolled plates, and forged blocks—all subjected to strict quality control from raw material selection to final surface finishing, ensuring 100% compliance with EN standards and custom customer specifications. Whether for small-batch precision aerospace parts or large-scale industrial forgings, 1.6773 delivers consistent, reliable performance across diverse applications.
Every alloying element in 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 is precisely calibrated to enhance mechanical performance, with ultra-low impurity levels to minimize brittleness and improve processability. The full chemical composition is as follows:
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni |
1.6773/ 36NiCrMo16 | 0.32-0.39 | 0.40Max | 0.50-0.80 | 0.025Max | 0.025Max | 1.60-2.00 | 0.25-0.45 | 3.60-4.10 |
Carbon (0.32-0.39%): Establishes base strength and hardenability, enabling the steel to reach high tensile values after heat treatment without excessive brittleness.
Nickel (3.60-4.10%): The defining alloy element—boosts toughness and fatigue resistance, reduces low-temperature brittleness, and enhances resistance to cyclic loads (critical for crankshafts, gears, and landing gear).
Chromium (1.60-2.00%): Improves surface hardness, wear resistance, and mild corrosion resistance, protecting high-contact components from environmental damage and extending service life.
Molybdenum (0.25-0.45%): Enhances high-temperature strength and hardenability, ensuring uniform hardness across thick sections—essential for large forgings like turbine shafts and marine crankshafts.
Silicon & Manganese: Act as deoxidizers during smelting, refine the steel’s microstructure, and improve overall mechanical stability.
Ultra-low P/S (≤0.025%): Minimizes intergranular brittleness and improves weldability (with proper pre/post-weld treatment).
Mechanical properties of 1.6773 vary slightly by size to account for heat treatment uniformity, with strict compliance to EN 10083-3 (rolled/drawn) and EN 10250-3 (open die forgings). All test samples are prepared in accordance with EN standards (12.5mm below heat-treated surface for rolled/drawn; 4/T below surface for forgings).
Mechanical properties for 36NiCrMo16 quenching and tempering alloy steel according to EN10083-3.
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤8 | 1250-1450Mpa | 1050Mpa Min | 9% Min | 40% Min | / |
16＜d≤40 8＜t≤20 | 1250-1450Mpa | 1050Mpa Min | 9% Min | 40%Min | 30J Min |
40＜d≤100 20＜t≤60 | 1100-1300Mpa | 900Mpa Min | 10% Min | 45%Min | 35J Min |
100＜d≤160 60＜t≤100 | 1000-1200Mpa | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 50%Min | 45J Min |
160＜d≤250 100＜t≤160 | 1000-1200Mpa | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 50%Min | 45J Min |
Across all forging sizes (d≤160mm, 160＜d≤330mm, 330＜d≤660mm), 1.6773 maintains consistent high performance:
Tensile Strength: ≥1000MPa
Yield Strength: ≥800MPa
Longitudinal Elongation: ≥11% | Transverse Elongation: ≥8%
Longitudinal Impact Value (RT): ≥45J | Transverse Impact Value (RT): ≥22J
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||
d≤160 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
160＜d≤330 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
330＜d≤660 | 1000Mpa Min | 800Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | 45J Min | 22J Min |
Remark: L= Longitudinal Tr = Transverse
Hardenability—the ability to achieve uniform hardness across the cross-section—is a standout feature of 1.6773, supported by its high Ni and Mo content. This grade can be customized for normal (+H), high (+HH), or low (+HL) hardenability to match specific application requirements, with precise surface hardness achievable via targeted heat treatment:
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Flame or Induction hardening | 53HRC |
Soft annealed (+A) | HB269Max |
Quenched and tempred (+QT) | HRC28-32(Common Range) |
Where the steel is ordered by using the symbols for normal (+H) or restricted (+HL, +HH) hardenability requirements, the hardenability values should apply below:
Distance in mm from quenched end | ||||||||||||||||
Distance | 1.5 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | |
Hardness In HRC + H | max | 57 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
min | 50 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | |
Hardness In HRC + HH | max | 57 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
min | 52 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | |
Hardness In HRC + HL | max | 55 | 54 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
min | 50 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | |
Scatter bands for the Rockwell - C hardness in the end quench hardenability test.
+HH grade ensures deeper hardening for thick-section components, while +HL grade prevents over-hardening for thin-section precision parts—both maintaining uniform hardness distribution critical for high-stress applications.
Hunan Qilu Steel offers 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 in a full range of product forms with strict tolerance controls for precision and general industrial applications.
| Product Type | Size Range | Length | Surface Finish & Tolerance | Straightness |
| Cold Drawn Bar | Φ3-Φ80mm | 6000-9000mm | Turned (+0/+3mm); Ground/Polished (+0/+0.05mm) | ≤1mm/1000mm |
| Hot Rolled Bar | Φ16-Φ310mm | 6000-9000mm | Peeled (+0/+0.1mm); Black Rolled (+0/+1mm) | ≤3mm/1000mm |
| Hot Forged Bar | Φ100-Φ1200mm | 3000-5800mm | Black Forged (+0/+5mm) | Custom |
| Hot Rolled Plate | 3-200mm (T); 1500-2500mm (W) | 2000-5800mm | Black Rolled/Machined (+0/+3mm, milled) | Custom |
| Hot Forged Block | 80-800mm (T); 100-2500mm (W) | 2000-5800mm | Black Forged/Machined | Custom |
Note: Hot-rolled/hot-forged bars are custom-produced (no stock) due to low domestic China demand, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 10 tons; small-batch cold-drawn bars are available with extended lead times.
36NiCrMo16 1.6773 is engineered for critical, high-stress components where strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance are non-negotiable. Its unique properties make it the material of choice for the following industries and applications:
Aircraft Landing Gear: Withstands extreme landing shocks (1450MPa tensile strength for small parts) and repeated cyclic loads.
Engine Drive Shafts/Turbine Components: Mo-enhanced high-temperature strength and Ni-boosted fatigue resistance for jet engine turbine blades, casings, and rotational shafts.
Aerospace Structural Brackets: Balanced toughness and strength for airframe components subjected to temperature fluctuations and dynamic loads.
Racing/Commercial Vehicle Crankshafts & Connecting Rods: Resists cyclic bending/torsional stress (30-45J impact value prevents cracking).
Transmission Gears & Differential Shafts: Flame-hardened 53HRC surface for wear resistance, with HRC28-32 tough core to absorb meshing shock.
Heavy Truck Axles & Suspension Components: Uniform hardness for thick sections and resistance to off-road impact/fatigue.
Marine/Industrial Diesel Engine Crankshafts: Φ660mm forgings with uniform hardness for large marine generators and power plant equipment.
Mining/Construction Machinery Gears/Bearings: Cr/Mo wear resistance for dusty, high-load mining drills, excavator arms, and conveyor systems.
Gas Turbine Shafts: Withstands high rotational speeds and elevated temperatures in power generation and industrial turbine systems.
High-Load Precision Bearings: Tight ground/polished tolerances (+0/+0.05mm) for smooth operation, with toughness to prevent premature failure.
Robotics & Tooling Shafts: Low sulfur content (≤0.025%) reduces machining defects for tight dimensional accuracy in automated manufacturing equipment.
Hydraulic Cylinder Rods: Wear resistance and high tensile strength for heavy-duty hydraulic systems in construction and manufacturing.
Customers frequently compare 36NiCrMo16 1.6773 with other high-strength Ni-Cr-Mo steels (e.g., AISI 4340/1.6511, 40NiCrMo22). Below is a comprehensive comparison of 1.6773 with its most common alternatives, highlighting key differences in composition, mechanical properties, and application suitability—the most searched comparison by global buyers:
AISI 4340 is the most widely used high-strength alloy steel, but 1.6773 outperforms it in toughness, fatigue resistance, and hardenability for thick sections—the primary reasons for its use in extreme applications.
| Aspect | 36NiCrMo16 (1.6773) | AISI 4340 (1.6511) | Key Advantage of 1.6773 |
| Nickel Content | 3.6-4.1% | 1.6-2.0% | 2x higher Ni = superior toughness/fatigue resistance for cyclic loads |
| Max Tensile Strength | 1450MPa (small size) | ~1250MPa | 16% higher strength for extreme stress |
| Max Forging Size | Φ1200mm (uniform hardness) | ≤Φ500mm (hardness variation) | Uniform hardness in ultra-thick forgings |
| Impact Value (RT) | 45J (d≤250mm) | 30J (d≤250mm) | Higher toughness for shock-loaded components |
| Hardenability Grade Options | +H/+HH/+HL | No custom grades | Tailored hardenability for specific part sizes |
Application Note: Use 1.6773 for aerospace/ marine components and large forgings; AISI 4340 is suitable for general high-strength industrial applications (lower cost).
40NiCrMo22 is a higher-nickel alloy steel, but 1.6773 offers a cost-effective balance of strength and processability, with better machinability and weldability (with treatment).
| Aspect | 36NiCrMo16 (1.6773) | 40NiCrMo22 (1.6566) | Key Advantage of 1.6773 |
| Carbon Content | 0.32-0.39% | 0.37-0.45% | Lower C = better weldability/machinability |
| Machinability (Soft Annealed) | ≤HB269 | ≤HB285 | Easier pre-machining with standard tools |
| MOQ & Lead Time | 10 tons (custom); small cold-drawn available | 20 tons (custom) | More flexible ordering for small-batch projects |
| Cost | Mid-range | Premium (high Ni) | 20-30% lower cost for comparable strength in most applications |
Application Note: Use 40NiCrMo22 for ultra-low-temperature applications; 1.6773 is the optimal choice for most high-stress industrial/aerospace applications (cost-performance ratio).
A1: 1.6773 is a European exclusive grade with no direct ASTM/JIS equivalent. The closest alternative is AISI 4340 (ASTM A29/A108), but as highlighted in the grade comparison, 1.6773 offers superior nickel content and hardenability. For Japanese standards, SCM440 is a distant alternative (lower Ni/Mo, inferior fatigue resistance).
A2: Three core heat treatment processes are used for 1.6773, tailored to application requirements (all parameters follow EN standards):
Soft Annealing: Heat to 650-700℃, hold 2-4 hours, furnace cool. Goal: Reduce hardness to ≤HB269 for easy machining.
Normalizing: Heat to 880-950℃, hold 1-2 hours, air cool. Goal: Refine microstructure and prepare for quenching (improves QT uniformity).
Quenching & Tempering (QT): Heat to 865-885℃ (885℃ for oil quenching, 865℃ for water quenching), quench in water/oil/air, then temper at 550-650℃ for 2-3 hours. Goal: Achieve HRC28-32 hardness with 1000-1450MPa tensile strength and balanced toughness.
A3: 1.6773 has poor weldability due to high carbon (＞0.25%) and alloy content, which increases cracking risk. To minimize defects, follow these critical steps:
Preheat the steel to 200-300℃ before welding to reduce thermal stress.
Use low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g., E8018-B2) to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC).
Maintain a slow cooling rate after welding (furnace cool for thick sections).
Perform post-weld annealing at 600-650℃ to relieve internal stress.
Avoid welding thick sections (＞50mm) without preheating—this drastically increases cracking risk.
Note: Welding is not recommended for critical load-bearing components; mechanical joining is preferred where possible.
A4: Yes. We offer a full range of international standard testing and certifications to meet customer and industry requirements, including critical aerospace applications:
Mechanical Testing: Tensile (EN 10002-1), impact (EN 10045-1), hardness (EN ISO 6508-1).
Chemical Analysis: Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for precise elemental composition verification.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic Testing (UT, EN 10160), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT, EN 10228-1) for internal/external defect detection.
Certifications: EN 10204 3.1B (mill test certificate) and 3.2 (independent third-party inspection certificate)—the gold standard for aerospace and marine industries.
A5: Our quality control covers the entire production process:
Raw material inspection: Verify chemical composition of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum to ensure compliance with EN standards.
Smelting control: Precision temperature control and deoxidation to minimize impurities.
Forging/rolling control: Uniform deformation to refine microstructure and avoid internal defects.
Heat treatment control: Computerized temperature and time control for consistent QT performance.
Final inspection: 100% dimensional check, hardness testing, and random NDT for each batch.
Contact Us: For a custom quote, technical consultation, or sample request for 36NiCrMo16 1.6773, please reach out to our sales team via the inquiry form or direct contact—we respond within 24 hours for all global inquiries.
