20MnCr5 vs 31CrMoV9: 50% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
20MnCr5 vs 31CrMoV9
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
20MnCr5
1.7147
Manganese-chromium case-hardening steel with higher core strength than 16MnCr5. Used for heavily loaded gears, shafts, camshafts, and transmission components requiring high surface hardness with tough core. Popular in automotive and heavy machinery.
31CrMoV9
1.8519
THE standard nitriding steel — Cr-Mo-V combination optimized for gas nitriding. Vanadium refines grain and forms hard VN nitrides (surface >750 HV). Better core toughness than 31CrMo12 at similar strength. THE default choice when "nitriding steel" is specified without further detail. Used for crankshafts, gears, spindles, extrusion screws, and precision machine components.
| 20MnCr5 | 31CrMoV9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.7147 | 1.8519 |
| Category | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10085 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 20MnCr5 | 31CrMoV9 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17–0.22% | 0.27–0.34% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 1.1–1.4% | 0.4–0.7% | No overlap |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 20MnCr5 | 31CrMoV9 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardness_hrc | 58–62 | — | HRC |
| tensile_strength | 900–1200 | 800–1000 | MPa |
| hardness_hb | ≤ 217 | — | HB |
Compatibility Assessment
20MnCr5 and 31CrMoV9 have moderate differences (50% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20MnCr5 the same as 31CrMoV9?
20MnCr5 and 31CrMoV9 have a 50% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 20MnCr5 with 31CrMoV9?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (50% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 20MnCr5 and 31CrMoV9?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn, Cr. 20MnCr5 is a Alloy Steel grade, while 31CrMoV9 is a Alloy 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.