100CrMn6 vs 100Cr6: Same bearing steel family — 100CrMn6 for larger cross-sections
100CrMn6 vs 100Cr6
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
100CrMn6
1.3520
Through-hardening bearing steel with higher Mn than 100Cr6 for improved hardenability in larger cross-sections. Used for bearing rings, rolling elements, and precision components where 100Cr6 cannot achieve sufficient core hardness due to section size.
100Cr6
1.3505
High-carbon chromium bearing steel. The most widely used bearing steel worldwide. Extremely high hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment. Standard for ball and roller bearings, precision shafts, and measuring instruments.
| 100CrMn6 | 100Cr6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.3520 | 1.3505 |
| Category | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | EN ISO 683-17 | EN ISO 683-17 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 100CrMn6 | 100Cr6 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.9–1.05% | 0.93–1.05% | OK |
| Si | 0.45–0.75% | 0.15–0.35% | No overlap |
| Mn | 1–1.2% | 0.25–0.45% | No overlap |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 100CrMn6 | 100Cr6 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardness_hrc | 58–64 | 60–66 | HRC |
| hardness_hb | ≤ 230 | ≤ 223 | HB |
| e_modulus | ≥ 210 | ≥ 210 | GPa |
Compatibility Assessment
100CrMn6 has ~2x the Mn (1.0-1.2% vs 0.25-0.45%) for deeper hardenability. 100Cr6 is cheaper and standard for small/medium bearings. Choose 100CrMn6 when bearing ring diameter exceeds ~60mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 100CrMn6 the same as 100Cr6?
100CrMn6 and 100Cr6 have a 85% composition overlap. Same bearing steel family — 100CrMn6 for larger cross-sections
Can I replace 100CrMn6 with 100Cr6?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (85%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 100CrMn6 and 100Cr6?
The main differences are in the following elements: Si, Mn. 100CrMn6 is a Alloy Steel grade, while 100Cr6 is a Alloy Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.