ASTM A681 L6 vs SAE J404 4340

Related Material — 65% match based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.

ASTM A681 L6 (ASTM A681:2008) and SAE J404 4340 (SAE J404:2009) are both steel grades. ASTM A681 L6 is classified under Tool & Die Steels, while SAE J404 4340 is classified under Alloy Steel — a different category, which is worth noting alongside the chemistry match below. ASTM A681 L6 is typically used for tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2), while SAE J404 4340 is commonly used for aircraft parts, heavy duty gears, crankshafts. ASTM A681 L6 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States, while SAE J404 4340 is defined under SAE International, originating from United States.

As per chemical composition, ASTM A681 L6 vs SAE J404 4340 is a 68.9% match. Mechanical property data is not available for both grades, so this factor could not be scored. Combined, this makes them a related material overall at 65%.

Frequently Compared With ASTM A681 L6:
IS 1570 (Part 6) 133T3 GB/T 1299 3Cr2W8V EN ISO 4957 1.2316 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2344 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2379 IS 1570 (Part 6) 103T3 IS 1570 (Part 6) 118T3 GOST 5950 3H2W8F GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV1 GOST 5950 4H5MFS GOST 5950 4H5MFS1
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
68.9%
MECHANICAL MATCH
No shared data
OVERALL
65%
Specifications
Property ASTM A681 L6 SAE J404 4340
Standard ASTM A681:2008 SAE J404:2009
Category Tool & Die Steels Alloy Steel
C (%) 0.65-0.75 0.38-0.43
Mn (%) 0.25-0.80 0.60-0.80
P (%) <=0.030 <=0.030
S (%) <=0.030 <=0.040
Si (%) 0.10-0.50 0.15-0.35
Cr (%) 0.60-1.20 0.70-0.90
Mo (%) <=0.50 0.20-0.30
Ni (%) 1.25-2.00 1.65-2.00
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property ASTM A681 L6 SAE J404 4340
Hardness <=235 HB Not specified
Condition Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness) Not specified
Typical Applications
ASTM A681 L6
Tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2)
SAE J404 4340
Aircraft parts, heavy duty gears, crankshafts
Key Differences
Can ASTM A681 L6 Be Substituted With SAE J404 4340?
ASTM A681 L6 and SAE J404 4340 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.
Forms & Sizes Available on M-EX
ASTM A681 L6
No active listings currently.
SAE J404 4340
Round Bar → (25 listings)
Diameter: 50–100 mm (1.97–3.94 in)
Length: 3800–7000 mm (149.61–275.59 in)
Forging → (4 listings)
Diameter: 150–200 mm (5.91–7.87 in)
Length: 500–1500 mm (19.69–59.06 in)
Flat Bar → (3 listings)
Thickness: 30–30 mm (1.18–1.18 in)
Width: 120–120 mm (4.72–4.72 in)
Length: 2500–3000 mm (98.43–118.11 in)
On M-EX Right Now
ASTM A681 L6
0 active listings and RFQs →
SAE J404 4340
32 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM A681 L6 and SAE J404 4340?
Different category: ASTM A681 L6 is Tool & Die Steels, SAE J404 4340 is Alloy Steel.
Can ASTM A681 L6 be substituted with SAE J404 4340?
ASTM A681 L6 and SAE J404 4340 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.