SCM420

Data verified

SCM420 is the 0.20% carbon Cr-Mo carburizing steel of JIS G4053 (AISI 4120 class) — the standard Japanese grade for medium gears and transmission shafts that need a wear-resistant case over a stronger core than SCM415 gives.

DIN20CrMo4 type (near)
AISI4120 (near)
JISSCM420 (JIS G4053)
CategoryAlloy & Engineering Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C0.18–0.23
Si0.15–0.35
Mn0.60–0.90
P≤0.030
S≤0.030
Cr0.90–1.20
Mo0.15–0.25

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Case hardness (carburized)58–63 HRC
Density7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Carburize 900–930 °C; quench 850–880 °C oil; temper 150–200 °C.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
din20CrMo4 type (near)
aisi4120 (near)
jisSCM420 (JIS G4053)
gb20CrMo (near)

Compare side by side: SCM420 vs SCM415 · SCM420 vs SCM435

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Medium gears, transmission shafts, pinions, motorcycle and automotive drivetrain parts.

Processing: Good machinability in the annealed/normalized state; carburize, harden and finish-grind as for 8620-class steels.

FAQ

Is SCM420 a case steel or a Q&T steel?
Primarily a carburizing (case-hardening) steel. It can be through-hardened in small sections, but its design point is a 58–63 HRC case on a tough 0.20% C core.

Need SCM420 from stock?

Steel.Wiki is sponsored by Shenzhen NewAsia Special Steel (Nasteel), a special-steel stockholder in Shenzhen stocking mold, tool and alloy steels with EN 10204 3.1 certification.

Ask for a quotationVisit Nasteel

Source: JIS G4053 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.