C15E vs S355ML: 37% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
C15E vs S355ML
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.
S355ML
1.8834
Thermomechanically rolled fine-grain structural steel — ReH >=355 MPa with Charpy at -50°C (KV >=27J). THE workhorse for large welded steel structures in cold environments. TM rolling = low CEV = excellent weldability even in thick plate. Used for offshore platforms, wind turbine towers, bridges, crane structures, and pressure vessels. Most common TM grade by tonnage.
| C15E | S355ML | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.8834 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10025-4 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | S355ML | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0–0.14% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0–1.6% | OK |
| P | 0–0.025% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | S355ML | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 450–610 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | ≥ 22 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and S355ML have significantly different compositions (37% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C15E the same as S355ML?
C15E and S355ML have a 37% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C15E with S355ML?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (37% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C15E and S355ML?
The main differences are in the following elements: C. C15E is a Carbon Steel grade, while S355ML 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.