C15E vs S355NL: 59% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
C15E vs S355NL
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.
S355NL
1.0546
Normalized fine-grain structural steel with 355 MPa yield and -50°C impact toughness. The most widely used fine-grain grade in EN 10025-3. Workhorse for offshore, bridges, cranes, and wind turbine towers in cold climates. Better low-temp toughness than S355J2.
| C15E | S355NL | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1141 | 1.0546 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10084 | EN 10025-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C15E | S355NL | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.12–0.18% | 0–0.18% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0.3–0.6% | 1–1.65% | No overlap |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C15E | S355NL | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 350–490 | 470–630 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 210–260 | ≥ 355 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–32 | ≥ 22 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C15E and S355NL have moderate differences (59% 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 S355NL?
C15E and S355NL have a 59% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C15E with S355NL?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (59% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C15E and S355NL?
The main differences are in the following elements: Mn. C15E is a Carbon Steel grade, while S355NL is a Carbon Steel grade.
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