1. Specifications & Capability
FUSHUN METAL forges hydraulic press columns in 42CrMo4 (1.7225), 34CrMo4 (1.7220) and S355J2+N, 500-1000 mm in diameter and over 10 m long. These are the tie columns of four-post and eight-post hydraulic and extrusion presses, quenched and tempered with the threaded ends finish-machined.
Forging the column from a single piece gives a continuous grain flow along its length, which is essential for the fatigue resistance of a member that cycles through tension on every press stroke.
| Grade | Standard | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 42CrMo4 / 1.7225 | EN 10250-3 | Up to 10 m+ |
| 34CrMo4 / 1.7220 | EN 10250-3 | Up to 10 m+ |
2. Components & Service Conditions
Press columns are the vertical tie members that connect the upper and lower crossheads and take the full pressing force in tension. On a four-post press the columns also guide the moving crosshead, so straightness and surface finish matter alongside strength.
Because the column cycles from near-zero to full tension on every stroke, fatigue at the threaded end is the controlling failure mode. Forging a single continuous piece, with the thread rolled or cut into sound forged material rather than a weld, gives the fatigue resistance a press column requires over decades of service. The quenched and tempered 42CrMo4 provides the strength with adequate toughness.
3. Grade Equivalents – 42CrMo4 / 34CrMo4
| Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 42CrMo4 / 1.7225 | EN 10250-3 | Standard press column steel |
| 34CrMo4 / 1.7220 | EN 10250-3 | Lower-carbon option |
| S355J2+N / 1.0577 | EN 10025 | Structural steel option |
| AISI 4140 | SAE J404 | US equivalent of 42CrMo4 |
| 40Cr | GB/T 3077 | Reference only, not used in certification |
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42CrMo4 (1.7225) | 0.38-0.45 | 0.40 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.15-0.30 |
| 34CrMo4 (1.7220) | 0.30-0.37 | 0.40 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.15-0.30 |
The chromium and molybdenum give the deep hardenability needed for a uniform quenched and tempered strength through the large column section.
4. Manufacturing Process
Forging. FUSHUN METAL forges the column as a single piece on a 20/80 MN fast forging press, with continuous grain flow along its length.
Heat treatment. The column is quenched and tempered to the ordered strength and toughness.
Machining. The threaded ends are finish-machined to the press maker’s drawing.
Testing. UT, straightness and mechanical verification, with full traceability.
5. Standards & Certification
Press columns are supplied to EN 10250-3, with inspection certificates under EN 10204 3.1. FUSHUN METAL holds ISO 9001 and AS9120B certification.
Related forgings: press cylinders and press crossbeams.
6. Typical Applications
Four-post presses
Tie columns for four-post hydraulic presses.
Eight-post presses
Columns for large eight-post forging presses.
Extrusion presses
Tie columns for metal extrusion presses.
Die-casting machines
Tie bars for die-casting machines.
7. Inquiry Essentials
To quote your press column, please provide the column drawing, the press tonnage, and the thread specification.
