What is Chrome Moly Steel?

Chrome molybdenum steel plate is a grade of alloy steel which is usually referred to as chrome moly. It is used for a broad range of applications, in particular in the oil and gas industry, the nuclear industry and fossil fuel power stations. The molybdenum offers higher strength and increased working temperatures and the chromium increases resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Key Attributes of Chrome Moly Steel

As chrome moly steel has such high tensile strength up to high temperatures and anti-corrosive properties, it is well suited for salt water applications. Chrome moly is stronger than standard stainless steel, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Chrome moly steel is also weldable, formable and ductile, with a very similar welding technique to that of stainless steel. Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is the fastest and cleanest method of welding chrome moly steel without risking the material properties.

Applications of Chrome Moly Steel

Chrome moly steel has excellent hardenability and high toughness, meaning it is easy to weld and fabricate. As the chromium content gives outstanding corrosion and oxidation resistance, chrome moly steel is resistant to hot sulfide corrosion, hydrogen attack, and embrittlement. The molybdenum content means that the high strength is maintained, even at high temperatures.

Chrome moly steel is frequently used in high-end bicycle frames to make them lighter and more flexible than with standard steel. It is also used for fuselages on small aircrafts and roll cages for race cards due to its lightweight but strong qualities.

Chrome moly steel also has many uses in the automotive industry. Crankshafts have traditionally been made out of cast-iron which was sufficient for older cars which did not travel far. Today’s cars travel much further and heat accumulates under the bonnet, chrome moly steel crankshafts are resistance to heat and wear and increased efficiency of the engine.

Chrome moly steel can also be used for the clutch and fly wheel, increasing the reliability of the car, decreasing maintenance and increasing fuel economy as it is lighter than traditional materials.

Chrome Moly Steel from Masteel

Masteel supplies chrome moly steel worldwide for a wide range of industries. Our chrome moly steel products come in a range of thicknesses and widths and we also offer cutting and profile services in-house.

Masteel chrome moly steel plate has the benefit of major stockholding, global shipping, extensive thicknesses, quick turnaround, variety of plate widths and high quality steel from European steel mills. If you would like to find out more about our chrome moly steel, please contact us today.