C45E vs P355NH: 59% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
C45E vs P355NH
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C45E
1.1191
Unalloyed special steel with controlled chemistry (E grade) and 0.42–0.50% carbon. Tighter P and S limits than standard C45 for improved consistency. The most widely used medium-carbon steel for quenching and tempering. Good balance of strength (620–850 MPa QT) and toughness. Through-hardening up to ø60mm. Surface hardening by induction to HRC 58. Used for shafts, gears, bolts, connecting rods, crankshafts, and general machine parts.
P355NH
1.0565
Weldable fine-grained non-alloy steel for pressure vessels with minimum yield strength 355 MPa. NH designation indicates normalized condition with specified elevated temperature properties and impact testing at -20°C. Very widely used pressure vessel grade for boilers, storage tanks, heat exchangers, and pipes transporting hot liquids and pressurized gases. Good weldability and resistance to brittle cracking.
| C45E | P355NH | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1191 | 1.0565 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-2 | EN 10028-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | C45E | P355NH | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.42–0.5% | ≤ 0.18% | No overlap |
| Si | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0.5–0.8% | 1.1–1.7% | No overlap |
| P | ≤ 0.025% | ≤ 0.025% | OK |
| S | |||
| Cr | |||
| Mo | |||
| Ni | |||
| V | |||
| Nb |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | C45E | P355NH | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 700–850 | 490–630 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 490 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 14 | ≥ 22 | % |
| Hardness HB | |||
| Density | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| impact_kv |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
C45E and P355NH have moderate differences (59% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C45E the same as P355NH?
C45E and P355NH have a 59% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C45E with P355NH?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (59% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C45E and P355NH?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C45E is a Carbon Steel grade, while P355NH 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.