The material of Overhead Crane Wheel is usually selected according to the use environment (load, frequency, wear). The following are several mainstream materials commonly used in the industry and their characteristics:
1. ZG430-640 (Cast Steel)
According to the Chinese standard GB/T 11352-2009 (Carbon Structural Cast Steel), ZG430-640 is one of the most commonly used materials for crane wheels.
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It provides a tensile strength of ≥ 640 MPa, a yield strength of ≥ 430 MPa, and an elongation of ≥ 14%.
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Moreover, it delivers excellent impact resistance and overall mechanical properties.
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Therefore, engineers typically choose this material for medium to large overhead cranes due to its balanced performance and cost-efficiency.
2. 42CrMo (Alloy Steel)
According to GB/T 3077, 42CrMo is a high-performance alloy steel widely used in heavy-duty applications.
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After quenching and tempering, it reaches a tensile strength of ≥ 980 MPa and a yield strength of ≥ 850 MPa, with high fatigue resistance and toughness.
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As a result, manufacturers often select 42CrMo for drive wheels or applications that require frequent starts/stops and high dynamic loads.
3. 65Mn (High Manganese Spring Steel)
In compliance with GB/T 1222, 65Mn is a type of carbon-manganese spring steel that offers excellent wear resistance and high hardness (HRC 45–55).
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Although its toughness is slightly lower, it performs well in high-wear, low-impact working environments.
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Consequently, companies often apply it to components like conveyor wheels or idlers.
4. QT500-7 / QT600-3 (Ductile Cast Iron)
As defined in GB/T 1348, ductile iron such as QT500-7 or QT600-3 provides a tensile strength of 500–600 MPa and an elongation rate of 7–10%.
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This material is cost-effective and easy to process, although its wear resistance is lower than steel.
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Therefore, engineers usually use it for light-duty cranes or non-driven wheels where cost is a primary concern.
Overhead Crane Wheel Optional Heat Treatment Methods:
| Heat Treatment | Purpose | Suitable Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Normalizing + Tempering | To enhance overall mechanical performance | ZG430-640 |
| Quenching + Tempering | To increase strength and fatigue resistance | 42CrMo, 65Mn |
| Surface Hardening | To improve surface wear resistance | ZG430, 42CrMo |
| Induction Hardening | Often used for drive wheels (localized hardening) | ZG430, 42CrMo |
Recommended Material Selection Based on Working Conditions:
| Working Conditions | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Medium load, general-purpose crane | ZG430-640 |
| Heavy load, frequent operation | 42CrMo |
| High wear, low impact | 65Mn |
| Light-duty equipment, cost-sensitive | QT500-7 (Ductile Iron) |
