C60 vs C45: Same family, significantly different carbon levels
C60 vs C45
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C60
1.0601
High-carbon unalloyed quenching and tempering steel. High hardness and strength after heat treatment but difficult to weld. Used for springs, hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers), agricultural blades, wear parts, and railway components.
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.
| C60 | C45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0601 | 1.0503 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-2 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C60 | C45 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.57–0.65% | 0.42–0.5% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.6–0.9% | 0.5–0.8% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.03% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C60 | C45 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 800–950 | 630–780 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 480 | ≥ 370 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 13 | ≥ 16 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C60 has higher carbon (0.57-0.65% vs 0.42-0.50%) giving higher hardness and strength but worse weldability and machinability. C60 is used for springs and tools, C45 for general machine parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C60 the same as C45?
C60 and C45 have a 70% composition overlap. Same family, significantly different carbon levels
Can I replace C60 with C45?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (70%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between C60 and C45?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C60 is a Carbon Steel grade, while C45 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.