There are many different materials for tubing, and your choice ultimately depends on either what your business needs or what will work best for your situation. Some of the most popular materials for tubing include stainless steel, titanium, and nickel. There is one material in particular, however, that has its slew of benefits and stands out in a couple of unique ways, yet there is often some confusion and misconception behind it. It is called chromium molybdenum, but, as a matter of fact, it goes by a handful of different names.
What is Chromium Molybdenum?
Chromium molybdenum is a material composed of the two titular elements in its name. Chromium, used in metal, is hard, shiny, and appeals cosmetically. Chromium is also used to make other alloys including stainless steel. Molybdenum is a light silver metal that makes the tubing ductile and resilient to corrosive substances. Together, they create an alloy that is strong, hard, rigid, resistant to corrosion, durable, and easy to fabricate.
Manufacturers, distributors, or merchants sometimes combine the two words and call it “chromoly”, “chromalloy”. or “chromimoly”. Some will even just combine their Periodic table abbreviations: CrMo. Regardless of what you or your provider calls this metal, it is associated with a four-digit code “4130”, which is a number assigned by The American Iron & Steel Institute. This code consists of two parts. The number “41” refers to a lot-alloy steel included in both these elements. The number “30” refers to the alloy’s carbon content, meaning that it contains a content of 0.30 percent. Thus, a low-carbon steel with a carbon content of 0.3 percent will happen to be 4130 tubing.
Chromium molybdenum is considered a high-quality metal with many advantages, but that also means the price for it is higher than other metals. Many buyers, though, have been willing to pay that price, knowing they have an alloy that works great and does not falter.
Uses for Chromium Molybdenum
Due to the durability and visual appeal of chromium molybdenum, it has a wide range of uses inside and outside industrial settings.
Conventional Pipes
4130 tubing is capable enough of transferring liquid and gas from one place to another. Ideal for housing, boilers, and other important purposes, this tubing will be greatly beneficial in the sense that it will last for a number of years and will not rust doing so.
Machinery
4130 is tough enough to be able to crush stone, earth, and other hard material. This alloy can be used to make blades, teeth, and other devices as part of a machine that can cut or break apart said materials.
Vehicle Assembly
Chromium molybdenum is used to make parts both for automobiles and bicycles. The alloy can easily be welded to make car bodies, but it can also be used inside of vehicles for parts that are designed to withstand fluids and last a long time without wearing out. Chromium molybdenum is highly dependable in these regards. Bike frames can also be made from 4130 tubing.
Power Tools
Chromium molybdenum can also be made into parts for power tools, especially drill bits and taps. This alloy is a strong, tough material that can pierce or drill through softer materials, such as wood or drywall, with enough torque.
Summary
Chromium molybdenum is a metallic alloy that is highly durable and strong, used for many different purposes. It is classified by a scientific code of 4130, and goes under several different names. Consider buying 4130 tubing for what you need inside or outside any industrial setting.