Case-Hardening Steels / C10-C15
Unalloyed Carbon Case Hardening Steel
Low-carbon, unalloyed case hardening steels. Economical solution for simple geometry and medium-duty parts with lower hardenability. Provides surface hardness and tough core after carburizing.
Technical Specifications
Grades
C10E (1.1121), C15E (1.1141)
Tolerance
h9, h10, h11
Size Range
Round 5-120mm, Hex 6-70mm, Square 6-70mm
Standards
EN ISO 683-3, DIN 17210
Key Features
- Economical case hardening steel solution
- Hard surface and tough core after carburizing
- Good cold formability
- Excellent machinability
- Good weldability
- Low tendency to internal stresses
- Adequate hardenability in small cross-sections
- Suitable for precision cold drawing
Applications
- Light-duty gears
- Pins and fasteners
- Chain components
- Simple geometry machine parts
- Automotive auxiliary components
- Hydraulic cylinder pins
- Agricultural machinery thin-section parts
- General machine structural elements
Dimension Table
| Profile | Size Range (mm) | Tolerance | Standard Length (m) | Delivery Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 5 - 20 | h9 | 3 | +AC / +C |
| Round | 20 - 60 | h9, h10 | 3 | +AC / +C |
| Round | 60 - 120 | h10, h11 | 3 | +AC / +C |
| Hexagon | 6 - 30 | h9 | 3 | +C |
| Hexagon | 30 - 70 | h10, h11 | 3 | +C |
| Square | 6 - 30 | h9 | 3 | +C |
| Square | 30 - 70 | h10, h11 | 3 | +C |
Technical Notes
- 01Carburizing temperature: 900-920°C (typical for C10/C15)
- 02Case depth (CHD): Typically 0.3-1.5mm
- 03Post-carburizing heat treatment: Quench (water or salt bath) + temper at 150-180°C
- 04Surface hardness: 55-62 HRC (after carburizing + quenching)
- 05Core hardness: 20-35 HRC (lower hardenability due to unalloyed composition)
- 06Low hardenability: Full hardening only achieved in thin sections (<20mm)
- 07Delivery condition: +AC (annealed) or +C (cold drawn)
- 08C15 offers slightly higher strength and hardenability compared to C10
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