Steel 38MnVS6 · heat-treated state
Steel 38MnVS6 Q&T
Properties of the Q&T condition, compared with the other 38MnVS6 tempers.
Used only when the as-forged property level or toughness is insufficient; loses the cost advantage of the non-quenched concept.
What is 38MnVS6 Q&T?
38MnVS6 Q&T is 38MnVS6 heat treated to Q&T — used only when the as-forged property level or toughness is insufficient; loses the cost advantage of the non-quenched concept. 38MnVS6 Q&T has a yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). 38MnVS6 Q&T has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). As Forged is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Q&T is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 800 MPa (116 ksi), better than 86% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 55 MPa·√m (50.1 ksi·√in), worse than 83% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 13%, worse than 78% of steel grades
38MnVS6 Q&T properties
Typical room-temperature values for 38MnVS6 Q&T — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 38MnVS6 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
38MnVS6 Q&T has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical16
38MnVS6 Q&T has a yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 86% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
38MnVS6 Q&T is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.3 µm/m·K (6.83 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
38MnVS6 Q&T conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (11/100), worse than 73% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 38MnVS6 Q&T takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability5
38MnVS6 Q&T's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 38MnVS6 tempers and conditions
38MnVS6 is also supplied in 6 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 38MnVS6 overview.
- As ForgedDefaultStandard delivery condition for automotive forgings: no quench-and-temper needed, strength from V(C,N) precipitation on cooling.600 MPa yield · 27 HRC
- Q&TUsed only when the as-forged property level or toughness is insufficient; loses the cost advantage of the non-quenched concept.800 MPa yield · 30 HRC
- HRBar stock condition for machined-from-bar parts where no forging step is used.570 MPa yield · 255 HB
Working with 38MnVS6 Q&T
Is 38MnVS6 easy to machine?
Machines like a 250–290 HB medium-carbon steel; the controlled sulfur gives good chip breaking and acceptable tool life, but expect higher cutting forces than 1045 — use coated carbide and rigid setups.
Can 38MnVS6 be welded?
Not intended for welding: medium carbon plus free sulfur cause hot-cracking and hard HAZ; if unavoidable, preheat 200–300 °C, use low-hydrogen consumables and post-weld stress relief.
Can 38MnVS6 be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for hot forging at 1100–1250 °C with controlled cooling from about 850 °C to develop V(C,N) strengthening; cold forming/upsetting is limited by low ductility.
What surface finishes work on 38MnVS6?
No inherent corrosion protection — specify Mn-phosphate, oil, zinc or paint; journals are typically induction hardened then ground and polished, and shot peening further improves fatigue life.
38MnVS6 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.34 – 0.41 | 0.38 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.8 | 0.45 |
| Mn | 1.2 – 1.6 | 1.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Sintentional, for machinability and inclusion control | 0.02 – 0.06 | 0.05 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Mo | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Vprecipitation strengthening | 0.08 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Nfor V(C,N) precipitation | 0.01 – 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Fe | balance | — |
38MnVS6 Q&T — frequently asked
What is 38MnVS6 Q&T used for?
38MnVS6 Q&T is typically used for bolts, industrial drive shafts and crankshafts. In short: microalloyed forging bar.
What is the yield strength of 38MnVS6 Q&T?
38MnVS6 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 86% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 38MnVS6 Q&T easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades). Machines like a 250–290 HB medium-carbon steel; the controlled sulfur gives good chip breaking and acceptable tool life, but expect higher cutting forces than 1045 — use coated carbide and rigid setups.
Can 38MnVS6 Q&T be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Not intended for welding: medium carbon plus free sulfur cause hot-cracking and hard HAZ; if unavoidable, preheat 200–300 °C, use low-hydrogen consumables and post-weld stress relief.
What surface finishes work on 38MnVS6 Q&T?
No inherent corrosion protection — specify Mn-phosphate, oil, zinc or paint; journals are typically induction hardened then ground and polished, and shot peening further improves fatigue life.
Can 38MnVS6 Q&T be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for hot forging at 1100–1250 °C with controlled cooling from about 850 °C to develop V(C,N) strengthening; cold forming/upsetting is limited by low ductility.
What is the maximum service temperature of 38MnVS6 Q&T?
38MnVS6 Q&T is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 38MnVS6 As Forged and 38MnVS6-SA?
As Forged is the default condition — standard delivery condition for automotive forgings: no quench-and-temper needed, strength from V(C,N) precipitation on cooling. SA: pick when heavy machining or cold working of the bar precedes final hardening; lowest strength condition. Yield strength is 600 MPa in As Forged versus 420 MPa in SA.
Can FabDigit make parts in 38MnVS6 Q&T?
Yes — 38MnVS6 Q&T is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10267 — Ferritic-pearlitic steels for precipitation hardening from hot-working temperatures — CEN (1998)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Fundamentals and Applications of Microalloyed Forging Steels (SAE/AIST literature) — SAE International (1996)
- Non-quenched-and-tempered forging steel bar datasheets — special steel producers (e.g. Ovako, Saarstahl, Dongbei Special Steel) (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.