16Mo3 vs C55E: 57% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
16Mo3 vs C55E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
16Mo3
1.5415
Molybdenum-alloyed pressure vessel steel — THE European Mo-Kesselblech. Mo 0.25-0.35% improves creep resistance and elevated-temperature strength to ~500°C (higher than P265GH at ~400°C). Used for superheater tubes, boiler drums, steam piping, and heat exchangers in power generation. EN 10028-2 + PED.
C55E
1.1203
High-carbon unalloyed Q&T steel — 0.52-0.60% C. Modern designation for Ck55. Good strength after Q&T (UTS 800-950 MPa) and excellent surface hardness after induction hardening (HRC 56-60). Used for rail wheels, crankshafts, heavy-duty shafts, and wear parts.
| 16Mo3 | C55E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.5415 | 1.1203 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10028-2 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 16Mo3 | C55E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.2% | 0.52–0.6% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.35% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.4–0.9% | 0.6–0.9% | OK |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 16Mo3 | C55E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 440–590 | 800–950 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 275 | 500–600 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 22 | 12–16 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
16Mo3 and C55E have moderate differences (57% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16Mo3 the same as C55E?
16Mo3 and C55E have a 57% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 16Mo3 with C55E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (57% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 16Mo3 and C55E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C. 16Mo3 is a Carbon Steel grade, while C55E is a Carbon Steel grade.
View full data for each material:
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.