8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 vs 16MnCr5: Both case-hardening steels — different alloy concepts
8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 vs 16MnCr5
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2
1.6523
Nickel-chromium-molybdenum case-hardening steel. Good combination of core toughness and case hardness. The most widely used case-hardening steel in the US (AISI 8620). Used for gears, pinions, worm drives, king pins, and cross-shafts.
16MnCr5
1.7131
Low-carbon case-hardening steel with manganese and chromium. Excellent for carburizing to produce a hard, wear-resistant surface with a tough core. Standard choice for gears, camshafts, piston pins, and transmission components.
| 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 | 16MnCr5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.6523 | 1.7131 |
| Category | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10084 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 | 16MnCr5 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17–0.23% | 0.14–0.19% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.65–0.95% | 1–1.3% | No overlap |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 | 16MnCr5 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardness_hrc | 58–62 | 58–62 | HRC |
| tensile_strength | 800–1100 | 800–1100 | MPa |
| hardness_hb | ≤ 212 | ≤ 217 | HB |
Compatibility Assessment
8620 adds Ni (0.4-0.7%) and Mo (0.15-0.25%) for better core toughness and hardenability. 16MnCr5 uses higher Mn (1.0-1.3%) for through-hardenability. 8620 is dominant in US, 16MnCr5 in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 the same as 16MnCr5?
8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 and 16MnCr5 have a 65% composition overlap. Both case-hardening steels — different alloy concepts
Can I replace 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 with 16MnCr5?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (65% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 and 16MnCr5?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn, Cr. 8620 / 20NiCrMo2-2 is a Alloy Steel grade, while 16MnCr5 is a Alloy Steel grade.
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