C15E vs C45: 43% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
C15E vs C45
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.
C45
1.0503
Medium carbon unalloyed quality steel. Good machinability and moderate strength after heat treatment. Widely used for shafts, spindles, pins, studs, and general machine parts.
| C15E | C45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.0503 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | C45 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0.42–0.5% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.5–0.8% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.03% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | C45 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 630–780 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | ≥ 370 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | ≥ 16 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and C45 have significantly different compositions (43% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C15E the same as C45?
C15E and C45 have a 43% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C15E with C45?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (43% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C15E and C45?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C15E is a Carbon Steel grade, while C45 is a Carbon 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.