Heat-Treatable Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy Steel · EN 10250-3
36CrNiMo4 1.6511
36CrNiMo4 (material number 1.6511) is a heat-treatable low-alloy nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel. After quenching and tempering it reaches high strength while keeping good toughness and fatigue strength. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. forges it into bars, seamless rolled rings, discs, sleeves and shafts.
What is 36CrNiMo4 steel?
36CrNiMo4 / 1.6511 is a low-alloy structural steel with about 1% chromium, 1% nickel and 0.2% molybdenum. It is a through-hardening grade and is usually delivered in the quenched-and-tempered (+QT) condition. Its nickel content gives higher hardenability and better toughness in thick sections than 42CrMo4 / AISI 4140, together with good fatigue strength.
Because it hardens evenly through thick cross-sections, 36CrNiMo4 is commonly used for open-die forgings such as heavy shafts, gears and rings. It is specified in EN 10250-3:2000 (open steel die forgings for general engineering purposes, alloy special steels) and corresponds to AISI 9840, JIS SNCM439 and BS 816M40.
Chemical composition
| C | Si | Mn | Ni | P | S | Cr | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.32–0.40 | max 0.40 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.90–1.20 | max 0.035 | max 0.035 | 0.90–1.20 | 0.15–0.30 |
Values are in weight percent. Iron (Fe) forms the balance. Composition per EN 10250-3:2000; mill certificates confirm the actual heat analysis for each order.
Mechanical properties (quenched & tempered, +QT)
| Nominal thickness (mm) | to 160 | 160–330 | 330–660 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm (MPa) | 750 | 700 | 650 |
| Upper yield strength Re (MPa) | 550 | 500 | 450 |
| Elongation A, longitudinal (%) | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Nominal thickness (mm) | to 8 | 8–20 | 20–50 | 50–80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm (MPa) | 1100 | 1000 | 900 | 800 |
| Min. yield strength ReH (MPa) | 900 | 800 | 700 | 600 |
| Elongation A, longitudinal (%) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact energy KV, longitudinal (+20°C) | 35–45 J |
| Impact energy KV, transverse (+20°C) | 25–27 J |
| Elongation A, transverse | 10–12 % |
| Brinell hardness, annealed (+A) | max 241 HBW |
Properties apply to the quenched-and-tempered (+QT) condition unless noted; hardness applies to the annealed (+A) condition. Guaranteed values depend on the delivery condition and section size stated on the order.
International equivalent grades
| Standard / Country | Designation |
|---|---|
| Germany — W.-Nr. | 1.6511 |
| EN / DIN | 36CrNiMo4 |
| USA — AISI / SAE | 9840 (nearest); comparable to 4340 / 4337 |
| UK — BS / EN | 816M40 / 817A37 |
| France — AFNOR | 40NCD3 |
| Japan — JIS | SNCM439 / SNCM447 |
Cross-references are approximate and for guidance only. Equivalent grades are not always fully interchangeable. Always verify against the governing specification and mill certificate for your application.
Typical heat treatment
| Operation | Temperature | Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| Soft annealing | 650–700 °C | Slow / furnace → ≤241 HBW |
| Normalizing | 850–880 °C | Air |
| Hardening | 820–860 °C | Oil or water quench |
| Tempering | 540–680 °C | Air |
Ranges are indicative and depend on section size and required properties. Confirm the exact heat-treatment schedule with our metallurgical team for your part.
36CrNiMo4 forged product forms we supply
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. supplies 36CrNiMo4 as open-die and rolled-ring forgings, machined to drawing where required:
- Forged round, square, rectangular, flat & hex bars
- Seamless rolled rings
- Forged rings, gear-blank rings
- Hollow bars, sleeves, bushings & cylinders
- Forged blocks, discs, plates
- Gear shafts, pinion shafts & spindles
- Casing, shells, hubs & housings
- Custom forgings to drawing / specification
Applications
36CrNiMo4 keeps high strength, toughness and fatigue strength in thick cross-sections, so it is used for parts under constant and cyclic load, including:
- Gears, gear shafts & pinion shafts
- Heavy transmission & drive shafts, spindles
- Crankshafts, axles & connecting rods
- Forged rings & flanges
- Automotive & mechanical engineering parts
- Power-generation & oil & gas components
Frequently asked questions
What is the material number for 36CrNiMo4?
The EN/DIN material number (Werkstoff-Nr.) for 36CrNiMo4 is 1.6511.
What is the equivalent of 36CrNiMo4?
The nearest AISI/SAE grade is 9840, and it is broadly comparable to 4340 and 4337. Other approximate equivalents include BS 816M40 / 817A37, AFNOR 40NCD3 and JIS SNCM439 / SNCM447. Treat all cross-references as reference only and confirm against the governing specification.
Is 36CrNiMo4 the same as 4340?
They are close but not identical. 36CrNiMo4 (1.6511) lies between AISI 9840 and 4340 in composition, and 4340 usually has a little more nickel. For most purposes they perform similarly. Select the exact grade from the applicable standard and confirm it on the mill certificate.
Can 36CrNiMo4 be welded?
36CrNiMo4 has limited weldability due to its carbon and alloy content. If welding is required, use preheat, low-hydrogen consumables and post-weld heat treatment, and expect lower properties in the weld zone. It is chosen mainly as a heat-treatable forging grade, not a welding grade.
Where can I buy 36CrNiMo4 forgings?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. manufactures and supplies 36CrNiMo4 (1.6511) open-die forgings worldwide: forged bars, seamless rolled rings, forged rings, blocks, discs, plates, sleeves and gear/pinion shafts. Contact +86 189 2135 9659 or sales@steelforgepieces.com for a quotation.
Last updated: September 2026.
Order 36CrNiMo4 forgings from Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. is a China-based manufacturer of open-die forgings and seamless rolled rings in alloy, carbon, tool and stainless steel and nickel alloys. Send your grade, dimensions, quantity and delivery condition (+QT, +A or as-forged) for a quotation. Mill test certificates to EN 10204 3.1 are available on request.