C15E vs C55E: 60% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
C15E vs C55E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
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.
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.
| C15E | C55E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.1203 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | C55E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0.52–0.6% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.6–0.9% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | C55E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 800–950 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | 500–600 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | 12–16 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and C55E have moderate differences (60% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C15E the same as C55E?
C15E and C55E have a 60% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C15E with C55E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (60% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C15E and C55E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C15E 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.