Steel Grade Datasheet
16MnCr5/ 1.7131 / 5115
Case-Hardening (Carburizing) Steel
What is 16MnCr5 steel?
16MnCr5 (Werkstoff No. 1.7131, equivalent to AISI 5115) is a chromium-manganese case-hardening (carburizing) steel per EN 10084. Its low carbon content (0.14–0.19%) gives a tough core, while carburizing and quenching produce a hard, wear-resistant case of 58–62 HRC. This 'hard case, tough core' combination makes it the classic material for gears, camshafts and transmission parts.
Chemical Composition
Cast analysis, % by weight (per the applicable EN standard)
| Element | Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.14–0.19 |
| Si | ≤ 0.40 |
| Mn | 1.00–1.30 |
| P | ≤ 0.025 |
| S | ≤ 0.035 |
| Cr | 0.80–1.10 |
Mechanical Properties (kör sertleştirilmiş (çekirdek) / blank-hardened core)
Values depend on ruling section / thickness (d).
| Section (mm) | Yield Re min (MPa) | Tensile Rm (MPa) | Elongation A min (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| d ≤ 11 | 685 | 880–1180 | 8 |
| 11 < d ≤ 30 | 590 | 780–1080 | 9 |
| 30 < d ≤ 63 | 440 | 640–940 | 10 |
Hardness: +A (annealed): ≤ 207 HB (machinable) · Carburized surface: 58–62 HRC · Core: ~30–40 HRC
16MnCr5 / 1.7131 properties and case hardening
International Equivalents
Values marked ≈ are nearest matches, not exact equivalents. Always confirm against the governing standard.
| System | Grade |
|---|---|
| EN | 16MnCr5 |
| W.-Nr. (DIN) | 1.7131 |
| AISI/SAE | 5115 |
| ASTM | A29 (5115) |
| JIS | ≈ SCr415 / SCr420 |
| GOST | ≈ 18ХГТ (18KhGT) |
| BS (UK) | ≈ 527A17 |
| GB (China) | ≈ 16CrMn |
Applications
- Carburized gears and gear wheels
- Camshafts and eccentrics
- Pins, bushings and bearing parts
- Transmission and gearbox components
- Injector and pump parts
- Chain links and rollers
Available Product Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is case hardening (carburizing)?+
It is enriching the surface of a low-carbon steel with carbon. The part is held at 880–920 °C in a carbon-rich medium so the surface carbon rises to 0.8–1.0%, then quenched — the surface hardens to 58–62 HRC while the low-carbon core stays tough. It combines wear resistance and impact toughness in one part.
What surface hardness does 16MnCr5 reach?+
After carburizing and quenching, the surface hardness is typically 58–62 HRC (about 660–740 HV). The core stays tough at ~30–40 HRC depending on diameter and case depth. Case hardening depth (CHD) is usually set between 0.3 and 1.2 mm.
What is the difference between 16MnCr5 and 20MnCr5?+
20MnCr5 (1.7147) has higher carbon (0.17–0.22%) and manganese/chromium, giving higher core strength and deeper hardenability. 16MnCr5 is ideal for small-to-medium gears, while 20MnCr5 is preferred for heavily loaded, large-section gears.
Is 16MnCr5 the same as AISI 5115?+
For practical purposes yes; 16MnCr5 is the European (EN) and 5115 the American (AISI/SAE) designation, used interchangeably as a chromium-manganese case-hardening steel. Minor analysis-range differences exist; for critical work follow the ordering standard.
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References & Standards
Values on this page are reference data compiled from the applicable EN standard; certified material properties are defined by the mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1).