C22E vs C55E: 64% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
C22E vs C55E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
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.
C55E
1.1203
High-carbon unalloyed Q&T steel — 0.52-0.60% C. Modern designation for Ck55. Good strength after Q&T (UTS 800-950 MPa) and excellent surface hardness after induction hardening (HRC 56-60). Used for rail wheels, crankshafts, heavy-duty shafts, and wear parts.
| C22E | C55E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.1151 | 1.1203 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | EN 10083-2 | EN 10083-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | C22E | C55E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17–0.24% | 0.52–0.6% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.4–0.7% | 0.6–0.9% | Partial |
| P | 0–0.025% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | C22E | C55E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 410–540 | 800–950 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 240–280 | 500–600 | MPa |
| elongation | 22–28 | 12–16 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
C22E and C55E have moderate differences (64% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C22E the same as C55E?
C22E and C55E have a 64% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace C22E with C55E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (64% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between C22E and C55E?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Mn. C22E is a Carbon Steel grade, while C55E 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.