C10E vs C15E: 82% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
C10E vs C15E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C10E
1.1121
Lowest practical carbon case-hardening steel — 0.07-0.13% C. After carburizing: hard surface (HRC 55-60) with extremely soft, tough core (HRC 15-20). Maximum impact absorption. Modern designation for Ck10. Used for pins, bushings, small gears, camshaft lobes, and any carburized part where maximum core toughness and ductility are critical. Also used as cold-heading and deep-drawing wire/strip.
C15E
1.1141
Low-carbon unalloyed case hardening steel — 0.12-0.18% C. Between C10E (softer core) and C22E (harder core) in the case-hardening range. Good balance of surface hardness (HRC 58-62) and core toughness after carburizing. Modern designation for Ck15. Used for small gears, pins, bushings, levers, and carburized parts where moderate core strength is acceptable. Also used for cold forming and deep drawing.
| C10E | C15E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1121 | 1.1141 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10084 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C10E | C15E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.07–0.13% | 0.12–0.18% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.3–0.6% | OK |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C10E | C15E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 310–440 | 350–490 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 180–220 | 210–260 | MPa |
| elongation | 28–35 | 25–32 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C10E and C15E share some characteristics (82% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C10E the same as C15E?
C10E and C15E have a 82% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace C10E with C15E?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (82%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between C10E and C15E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C. C10E is a Carbon Steel grade, while C15E 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.