ASTM CLASSIFICATION OF STEEL

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

The AISI system used a letter prefix to denote the steelmaking process. The prefix
"C" denoted open-hearth furnace, electric arc furnace or basic oxygen furnace,
while "E" denotes electric arc furnace steel. A letter "L" within the grade name
indicates lead as an added ingredient;

Major classifications of steel

SAE designation

Type

1xxx

Carbon steels

2xxx

Nickel steels

3xxx

Nickel-chromium steels

4xxx

Molybdenum steels

5xxx

Chromium steels

6xxx

Chromium-vanadium steels

7xxx

Tungsten steels

8xxx

Nickel-chromium-molybdenum steels

9xxx

Silicon-manganese steels

Alloy steels are designated by AISI four-digit numbers. They comprise different kinds
of steels having composition exceeding the limitations of B, C, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Cr,
and Va set for carbon steels.
AISI 4130, a chromium-molybdenum alloy used widely as an aircraft steel, combines
weldability, ease of fabrication and mild hardenability. Best used for welded tube
fuselages. It can also be used to make car connecting rods, engine mounting lugs,
shafts, fittings, bushings, gears, bolts, axles, gas cylinders, airframe components,
hydraulic lines and nitrided machinery parts.

4130 has a low resistance to corrosion, responding to heat treatment to a high level,
and when wear and abrasion resistance is required, it can be nitrided.