SCM-415 alloy steel

Introduction

We manufacture forging ingots, billets, and blooms in alloy steel specifically for SCM-415, tailored for high-performance engineering and case hardening applications. SCM-415 is a low carbon chromium-molybdenum alloy steel widely used for components requiring high surface hardness along with a tough and ductile core. It is particularly suitable for carburizing and heat treatment processes where wear resistance and fatigue strength are critical.

The presence of chromium improves hardenability and wear resistance, while molybdenum enhances strength and prevents temper brittleness. SCM-415 provides good machinability in the annealed condition and excellent response to carburizing, making it ideal for precision engineering and automotive applications.

This steel offers an excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, and durability, making it a reliable material for components subjected to dynamic and repetitive loading conditions.

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)	Function / effect
Carbon (c)	0.13 – 0.18	Provides core toughness and enables carburizing
Manganese (mn)	0.60 – 0.85	Improves hardenability and strength
Silicon (si)	0.15 – 0.35	Improves strength and elasticity
Chromium (cr)	0.90 – 1.20	Enhances hardenability and wear resistance
Molybdenum (mo)	0.15 – 0.30	Improves high-temperature strength and fatigue resistance
Phosphorus (p)	Max 0.030	Impurity; lower content improves toughness
Sulphur (s)	Max 0.030	Impurity; controlled content improves machinability

Mechanical properties (typical, depending on condition & heat treatment)

• Tensile strength: 600 – 850 MPa (core, heat treated)
• Yield strength: 350 – 550 MPa
• Surface hardness (after carburizing): 58 – 62 HRC
• Core toughness: High
• Fatigue resistance: Excellent

Heat treatment

• carburizing: heating in a carbon-rich environment to increase surface carbon content and achieve high surface hardness.
• quenching: rapid cooling after carburizing to develop a hard wear-resistant surface layer.
• tempering: reheating at a controlled temperature to relieve stresses and improve toughness while maintaining surface hardness.
• annealing: used before machining to improve workability.

The heat treatment cycle can be adjusted depending on case depth and performance requirements.

Key features and benefits

• excellent carburizing response: achieves high surface hardness
• tough and ductile core: provides shock resistance and durability
• high wear resistance: improves service life of components
• good fatigue strength: suitable for cyclic loading applications
• good machinability in annealed condition
• dimensional stability after heat treatment
• suitable for precision engineering and automotive components

Typical applications

• transmission gears and pinions
• automotive shafts and splined shafts
• camshafts and crankshaft components
• bushings and bearings
• forged and case-hardened engineering components
• precision mechanical parts requiring high surface hardness

Equivalent steel grades

SCM-415 has several international near equivalents, including:

• 15crmo5 (en standard) – comparable chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
• AISI 4115 – american carburizing alloy steel
• din 1.7262 – german equivalent carburizing steel

Why choose SCM-415 for your application?

SCM-415 is widely preferred for applications requiring high surface hardness combined with excellent core toughness. Its superior carburizing response ensures long wear resistance and fatigue strength. Additionally, its reliable heat treatment properties and machinability help improve productivity and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Comparison table for similar grades

Grade	Carbon (%)	Key applications	Heat treatment	Comments
SCM-415	0.13 – 0.18	Gears, shafts, automotive parts	Carburizing, quenching & tempering	Excellent case hardening steel
Aisi 4115	0.13 – 0.18	Transmission and automotive components	Carburizing	American equivalent grade
15crmo5	0.12 – 0.18	Engineering and forged parts	Carburizing	European equivalent steel
Din 1.7262	0.13 – 0.18	Precision engineering components	Carburizing	German equivalent carburizing grade

Summary

SCM-415 is a high-quality chromium-molybdenum carburizing alloy steel designed for case hardening applications in automotive and engineering industries. It provides an excellent combination of surface hardness, core toughness, and durability for high-performance components.