ASTM A572 Grade 50 vs C10E: 52% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
ASTM A572 Grade 50 vs C10E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ASTM A572 Grade 50
The most widely used structural steel grade in the United States. 345 MPa (50 ksi) yield strength HSLA steel. Has largely replaced A36 for structural applications due to higher strength-to-weight ratio. Used for building frames, bridges, heavy equipment, and general structural fabrication.
C10E
1.1121
Lowest practical carbon case-hardening steel — 0.07-0.13% C. After carburizing: hard surface (HRC 55-60) with extremely soft, tough core (HRC 15-20). Maximum impact absorption. Modern designation for Ck10. Used for pins, bushings, small gears, camshaft lobes, and any carburized part where maximum core toughness and ductility are critical. Also used as cold-heading and deep-drawing wire/strip.
| ASTM A572 Grade 50 | C10E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | 1.1121 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A572 | EN 10084 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | ASTM A572 Grade 50 | C10E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.23% | 0.07–0.13% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.35% | 0.3–0.6% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ASTM A572 Grade 50 | C10E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 450 | 310–440 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 345 | 180–220 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 18 | 28–35 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ASTM A572 Grade 50 and C10E have moderate differences (52% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM A572 Grade 50 the same as C10E?
ASTM A572 Grade 50 and C10E have a 52% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ASTM A572 Grade 50 with C10E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (52% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ASTM A572 Grade 50 and C10E?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ASTM A572 Grade 50 is a Carbon Steel grade, while C10E is a Carbon Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
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.