15Cr3 alloy steel

Introduction

We manufacture forging ingots, billets, and blooms in alloy steel specifically for 15Cr3, designed for applications requiring good surface hardness, wear resistance, and tough core properties.

15Cr3 is a low carbon, chromium alloy steel primarily used for case hardening applications. The presence of chromium improves hardenability, wear resistance, and surface hardness after carburizing, while the low carbon content ensures a tough and ductile core.

This grade offers good machinability in the annealed condition and excellent response to carburizing and heat treatment processes. Due to its balanced properties and cost-effectiveness, 15Cr3 is widely used in automotive and general engineering components requiring a hard wear-resistant surface with a tough core.

Chemical composition

Element Content (%) Function / effect
Carbon (c) 0.12 – 0.18 Ensures tough core properties
Manganese (mn) 0.50 – 0.80 Improves hardenability and toughness
Silicon (si) 0.15 – 0.35 Increases strength
Chromium (cr) 0.70 – 1.00 Improves hardenability and wear resistance
Phosphorus (p) Max 0.035 Impurity; controlled for toughness
Sulphur (s) Max 0.035 Impurity; controlled for machinability

Mechanical properties

(Properties may vary depending on section size and heat treatment conditions)

  • Core tensile strength: 700 – 900 MPa
  • Core yield strength: 450 – 650 MPa
  • Surface hardness (carburized): 58 – 62 HRC
  • Core hardness: 180 – 220 HB
  • Impact toughness: High
  • Fatigue resistance: Very good

Heat treatment

  • Annealing: improves machinability before carburizing.
  • Carburizing: addition of carbon at high temperature to achieve a hard wear-resistant surface.
  • Quenching: rapid cooling to obtain a hard martensitic case.
  • Tempering: relieves internal stresses while maintaining surface hardness and core toughness.

The heat treatment cycle can be customized based on required case depth and application.

Key features and benefits

  • Ideal for case hardening applications
  • Hard, wear-resistant surface with tough core
  • Good hardenability due to chromium content
  • Good machinability in annealed condition
  • Cost-effective alternative to ni-cr steels
  • Suitable for forging and machining

Typical applications

  • Gears and pinions
  • Camshafts and transmission components
  • Bushes and sleeves
  • Automotive and tractor parts
  • General engineering components requiring a hard surface

Equivalent steel grades

15Cr3 has several international equivalents, including:

  • En 10084 – 15Cr3 (european standard)
  • Din 1.7015 – german standard
  • Aisi 5115 – american standard (approximate)

Why choose 15Cr3 for your application?

15Cr3 provides an excellent combination of surface hardness, wear resistance, and core toughness at a competitive cost. Its reliable response to carburizing makes it ideal for components subjected to friction and repeated loads.

Comparison table for similar grades

Grade Carbon (%) Key applications Heat treatment Comments
15Cr3 0.12 – 0.18 Gears, pinions Carburizing + q&t Hard case, tough core
16MnCr5 0.14 – 0.19 Automotive gears Carburizing Higher mn
20mnCr5 0.17 – 0.23 Gears, shafts Carburizing Higher core strength
En36 0.12 – 0.18 Heavy-duty gears Carburizing Ni-cr steel
Aisi 5115 0.13 – 0.18 Automotive parts Carburizing Close us equivalent

Summary

15Cr3 is a low carbon chromium alloy steel specifically designed for case hardening applications. It delivers a hard, wear-resistant surface, a tough core, and cost-effective performance for automotive and engineering components.