C15 vs C20: 76% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
C15 vs C20
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C15
1.0401
Low-carbon unalloyed case-hardening steel. The simplest and most economical case-hardening grade. Used for lightly loaded gears, pins, bushings, rivets, and small machine parts where a hard wear-resistant surface with a soft tough core is needed.
C20
1.0402
Low-carbon unalloyed steel for case hardening (carburizing). 0.17-0.23% C gives a tough core with a hard, wear-resistant surface after carburizing + quenching. The simplest and cheapest case-hardening steel. Used for pins, bushings, cam followers, light-duty gears, and general machine parts where a hard surface with tough core is needed. ≈ AISI 1020.
| C15 | C20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.0401 | 1.0402 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10084 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | C15 | C20 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0.17–0.23% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.3–0.6% | OK |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.035% | OK |
| S |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | C15 | C20 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness HRC | 55–60 | 58–62 | HRC |
| Hardness HB | ≤ 170 | — | HB |
| Tensile Strength | 370–510 | 390–540 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Elongation |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
C15 and C20 share some characteristics (76% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C15 the same as C20?
C15 and C20 have a 76% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace C15 with C20?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (76%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between C15 and C20?
The main differences are in the following elements: C. C15 is a Carbon Steel grade, while C20 is a Carbon Steel grade.
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.