C15E vs C22E: 72% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
C15E vs C22E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
C15E
1.1141
Low-carbon unalloyed case hardening steel — 0.12-0.18% C. Between C10E (softer core) and C22E (harder core) in the case-hardening range. Good balance of surface hardness (HRC 58-62) and core toughness after carburizing. Modern designation for Ck15. Used for small gears, pins, bushings, levers, and carburized parts where moderate core strength is acceptable. Also used for cold forming and deep drawing.
C22E
1.1151
Low-carbon unalloyed steel for case hardening and general engineering — 0.17-0.24% C. After carburizing: surface HRC 55-60, soft tough core. Much cheaper than alloy case-hardening steels (16MnCr5, 20MnCr5). Modern designation for Ck22. Used for pins, bolts, levers, lightly loaded gears, and any carburized part where alloy additions are not justified. Also used as cold-heading wire.
| C15E | C22E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.1151 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | C22E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0.17–0.24% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.4–0.7% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | C22E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 410–540 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | 240–280 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | 22–28 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and C22E share some characteristics (72% 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 C15E the same as C22E?
C15E and C22E have a 72% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace C15E with C22E?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (72%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between C15E and C22E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C15E is a Carbon Steel grade, while C22E 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.