GUIDE / MATERIAL REFERENCE

Alloy engineering steel: quenching, tempering and surface hardening

Engineering grades such as 34CrMo4, 42CrMo4 and 20MnB5 require application-specific heat treatment and test evidence. They are not automatically approved hull structural grades.

Updated 2026-10-30 · BEBON site editorial

Read the condition

Quenched and tempered (+QT) describes a final condition; surface hardened describes a different treatment objective. Core strength, case depth and surface hardness must be specified separately. A grade name cannot establish the treatment achieved on a finished component.

Design and processing

Section size, hardenability, quench method and tempering influence the final properties. Machining allowance and distortion control should be agreed before treatment. Do not publish a universal furnace recipe without the part geometry and qualified process.

Certificate review

Confirm the current product specification, grade, section or ruling thickness, heat-treatment record and required tests. Historical EN 10083 references must be checked for their applicable successor or project edition. Magnetic particle, ultrasonic and hardness requirements should be stated where needed.

Information to record

  • Exact product standard and edition; approved drawing or specification revision.
  • Grade, dimensions, final condition and heat-to-piece traceability.
  • Acceptance test, inspection document and responsible approving party.

Frequently asked questions

Does a high surface hardness prove adequate core toughness?

No. Surface hardness and core mechanical properties need their own specified acceptance evidence.

Sources and reference scope

  • Procurement and editorial guidance — Cross-checked against product terminology and the cited material rules
    Guidance describes checks to request. It is not a claim of available stock, certificates or completed project engineering.
  • 钢材产品简介 — Slides 3, 5–6, 15–19
    Product forms, units and grade vocabulary; not proof of current stock or class certification.
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