C15E vs C50E: 60% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
C15E vs C50E
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.
C50E
1.1206
High-carbon unalloyed Q&T steel — 0.47-0.55% C. Higher strength than C45E at the expense of reduced weldability and toughness. Modern designation for Ck50. Suitable for induction hardening to HRC 55-60. Used for heavy-duty shafts, rail wheels, clutch plates, and springs where maximum unalloyed strength is needed. Also used for agricultural equipment and wear parts.
| C15E | C50E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.1206 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | C50E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0.47–0.55% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 0.6–0.9% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | C50E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 750–900 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | 490–580 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | 13–17 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and C50E have moderate differences (60% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C15E the same as C50E?
C15E and C50E have a 60% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C15E with C50E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (60% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C15E and C50E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C15E is a Carbon Steel grade, while C50E 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.