C45 vs C50: 74% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
C45 vs C50
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C45
1.0503
Medium carbon unalloyed quality steel. Good machinability and moderate strength after heat treatment. Widely used for shafts, spindles, pins, studs, and general machine parts.
C50
1.0540
Medium-high carbon unalloyed steel between C45 and C55. Good strength and wear resistance after QT. Used for springs, axles, shafts, coupling parts, and machine components where moderate hardness is sufficient without alloy steel cost.
| C45 | C50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0503 | 1.0540 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-2 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | C45 | C50 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.42–0.5% | 0.47–0.55% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.5–0.8% | 0.6–0.9% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.03% | 0–0.03% | OK |
| S | |||
| Cr | |||
| Mo | |||
| Ni |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | C45 | C50 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 630–780 | 600–750 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 370 | ≥ 340 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 16 | ≥ 16 | % |
| Hardness HB | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
C45 and C50 share some characteristics (74% 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 C45 the same as C50?
C45 and C50 have a 74% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace C45 with C50?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (74%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between C45 and C50?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C45 is a Carbon Steel grade, while C50 is a Carbon Steel grade.
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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.