Overview
GX120CrMo29-2 is a low-alloy steel alloy which is recognized in the aircraft and general engineering sectors for its excellent combination of strength, toughness and fatigue performance. GX120CrMo29-2 is a chrome-molybdenum steel characterized by a combination of a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure, which gives fine grain size and a partial tempering of the minor carbides to improve hardenability, and an austenitic-martensitic structure which produces enhanced strength and ductility.
Properties
The alloys of GX120CrMo29-2 have a ferritic structure, with some amount of chromium and molybdenum which give it superior high-temperature strength and low-temperature toughness. The metal also has excellent engineering properties, including a high resistance to stress, heat and fatigue. The metal is capable of sustaining large loads without deformation or fracture, making it ideal for many engineering applications.
Applications
The low alloys of GX120CrMo29-2 are used for components in the aerospace, oil and gas and shipbuilding industries. The alloy is especially suitable for components subjected to high static or dynamic loads and applications, due to its combination of good strength and toughness properties. Typical components include aircraft landing gear, engine turbine housings, gears and components exposed to high operating temperature.
GX120CrMo29-2 is also used in components under remote operates and is often the material of choice for valve systems, pressure vessels and oilfield pumps. The alloy is suitable for sour-gas components due to its excellent corrosion resistance to hydrogen sulfide environments.
Weldability
GX120CrMo29-2 has excellent weldability and can be welded using either gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes. The use of either shield gas-filled welds or automated GTAW beads has been successfully used on GX120CrMo29-2 when welding pressure vessels and other gas collection systems.
Machinability and Heat Treatment
The machinability of GX120CrMo29-2 is generally considered to be good, although heavy-duty cutting tools are usually needed as the material is quite hard. The heat treatment of the alloy is also relatively straightforward. GX120CrMo29-2 is typically solution-treated at a temperature of 980 to 1040°C for a period of two to three hours, followed by a water quench. This helps to produce desirable mechanical properties in the alloy.
Conclusion
GX120CrMo29-2 is a low-alloy steel which is highly sought after in the aerospace, oil and gas and shipbuilding industries. Its combination of excellent strength, fatigue and machining properties make it suitable for a variety of engineering applications. GX120CrMo29-2 also welds well and is relatively straightforward to heat treat.
