EN 25CrMo4 Tubing
EN 25CrMo4 is routinely listed as the European equivalent of AISI 4130. The two are close enough to serve the same applications, and different enough that a substitution should be a decision, not an assumption.
Relationship to AISI 4130
25CrMo4 and AISI 4130 are close equivalents derived from the same metallurgical family. Both are Cr-Mo low-alloy steels with similar alloying targets. However, there are minor differences in the specified composition limits between ASTM A519 (governing AISI 4130) and EN 10083 / EN 10297 (governing 25CrMo4). The precise carbon lower limit may differ slightly. Any material substitution — supplying AISI 4130 against a 25CrMo4 specification, or vice versa — requires formal engineering comparison and approval.
| Parameter | AISI 4130 (ASTM) | 25CrMo4 (EN) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (nominal) | ~0.30% | ~0.25% | Designation difference |
| Chromium | ~0.80–1.10% | ~0.90–1.20% | Similar range |
| Molybdenum | ~0.15–0.25% | ~0.15–0.25% | Same range |
| Applicable standard | ASTM A519 (tube) | EN 10297 (seamless tube) | Different documents |
| Substitution | Requires engineering approval | Requires engineering approval | Not automatic |
Procurement Using EN 25CrMo4
When sourcing 25CrMo4 tubing, specify the product standard (EN 10297 for seamless mechanical tubes or EN 10083 for bar), dimensions in millimetres (European convention), condition (e.g., +N for normalized, +A for annealed), and documentation (EN 10204 3.1 MTC). The material number 1.7218 is the Werkstoff-Nummer (German material number system) and identifies the same grade.
Composition Side by Side
| Element | EN 25CrMo4 (%) | AISI 4130 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.22 – 0.29 | 0.28 – 0.33 |
| Manganese | 0.60 – 0.90 | 0.40 – 0.60 |
| Chromium | 0.90 – 1.20 | 0.80 – 1.10 |
| Molybdenum | 0.15 – 0.30 | 0.15 – 0.25 |
| Silicon | 0.40 maximum | 0.15 – 0.35 |
The ranges overlap for chromium and molybdenum. The main differences are carbon, which is lower in 25CrMo4, and manganese, which is higher. Lower carbon slightly favours weldability; the higher manganese partly makes up the strength. A given heat of steel can fall inside both specifications, one or neither, so the certificate analysis decides whether a particular tube satisfies the grade on your drawing.
Always check the current edition of the standard for exact limits. Before substituting, confirm that the drawing owner, regulator or homologation document accepts the alternative. See 4130 vs 25CrMo4 and 25CrMo4 chromoly tubing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute 4130 for 25CrMo4 on a European drawing?
The alloys are closely equivalent, but a direct substitution without engineering approval is not appropriate for safety-critical applications. The composition limits in ASTM A519 and EN 10297 are not identical. The responsible engineer must compare the actual ladle analysis on the MTC against the EN 25CrMo4 specification limits and formally approve the substitution.
Is 1.7218 the same as 25CrMo4?
Yes. 1.7218 is the Werkstoff-Nummer (European material number) for 25CrMo4. They identify the same alloy grade.
What is the main difference between 25CrMo4 and 4130?
25CrMo4 has slightly lower carbon and higher manganese. Chromium and molybdenum ranges largely overlap.
Can one tube meet both grades?
Only if its actual analysis falls within both specifications, which the mill test certificate will show.
Enquire for 25CrMo4 / 1.7218 Tubing
Specify your EN designation, product standard, metric dimensions, condition, and MTC requirement.
- Grade: 25CrMo4 / 1.7218
- Product Standard (EN 10297 or equivalent)
- OD and Wall in mm
- Condition (+N, +A, etc.)
- Length / Quantity
- EN 10204 3.1 MTC
- Delivery Location