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Case Hardening steel stockholders

Case Hardening steel properties

Case hardening is a simple method of hardening steel. It is less complex than through hardening and is used for steels with a low carbon content.

Case hardening involves heating to high temperatures in a carburizing atmosphere, thereby increasing the carbon content at the surface of the component. Following heat treatment, the steel is quenched. The result is a component with a hard surface and a comparably soft core. This gives the case hardened steel extra durability as the core retains the ability to absorb shock, while the hard outer case provides extra strength and durability.

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Case hardening steel grades available in bright and/or black bar

High Peak Steels stock an extensive range of case hardening steel, ensuring we can fulfil orders on short lead times and maintain our enviable reputation for over 95% of orders delivered in full and on time.

Steel grades listed are available in either bright or black round bar.

Case hardening steel - common questions

What are the methods of case hardening steel?

Case hardening steel can be achieved via two distinct methods.

  • CARBURISING
    This involves the infusion of carbon to the surface of the steel. The component is heated before being exposed to a carbon environment whereby the carbon penetrates the component surface.
  • GAS NITRIDING
    This process involves the use of nitrogen-rich gas. Similar to carburising, the component is heated before being exposed to atomic nitrogen which penetrates the steel thereby increasing its hardness and resistance.

What are the benefits of case hardening steel?

Whether achieved via carburising or nitriding, case hardening provides the following benefits…

  • Improves both strength and durability
  • Improves impact resistance
  • Improves wear resistance
  • Improves weldability
  • Extends the lifetime of the steel

What are common applications for case hardened steel?

Case hardened steel is commonly used for components that are subject to extremes of shock and impact, are required to have an extended life whilst maintaining an adherence to strict certifications. Gears, bearings, valves and landing gear for the Aerospace industry require case hardening.

Case hardening steel vs through hardening steel

Hardened steel is required for components such as bearings in order to provide long life. This steel hardening can be achieved via case hardening or through hardening.

In order to harden steel, the iron mix must contain a certain amount of carbon which dissolves in molten iron. In through hardening steel, there is a high level of carbon added to the iron which, when heat treated, dissipates all the way “through” the steel, from the surface to the core.

Case hardened steel is the process of hardening only the surface of the component. The iron mix contains a lower mix of carbon but is heat treated in a furnace that contains a controlled level of carbon in its atmosphere. This process (also known as carburising) hardens only the surface of the component, leaving the core relatively soft.

The combination of a hard surface and a pliable core gives case hardened steel much greater resistance to cracks and fractures. As a result, case hardened steel has a much longer useful life than through hardened steel.

16MNCR5 / EN16 Case hardening steel

16MNCR5 | EN16 is a low alloy case hardening steel. After carburizing/carbonitriding and hardening it produces a hard wear resistant case with tough core, with good resistance to shock.

Applications, chemical compositions and mechanicals 16MNCR5 / EN16 steel

MNCR5 steel enquiry

Black round

665M17 / EN34 Case hardening steel

665M17 | EN34 is a 2% nickel, molybdenum case hardening steel grade. EN34 | 665M17 is suitable for applications requiring wear resistance and shock resistance.

Applications, chemical compositions and mechanicals 665M17 / EN34 steel

665M17 steel enquiry

Enquire about EN34

655M13 / EN36 Case hardening steel

655M13 | EN36 is a carburising steel grade with very high surface strength with a soft but strong core. The material retains a remarkable degree of toughness.

Applications, chemical compositions and mechanicals 655M13 / EN36 steel

655M13 steel enquiry

Bright roundBlack round

832M13 / EN36C Case hardening steel

832M13 | EN36C grade steel is a nickel-chromium alloy case hardening steel that is specified for heavy duty, highly stressed applications such as aircraft gears and steering worms.

Applications, chemical compositions and mechanicals 832M13 / EN36C steel

832M13 steel enquiry

Enquire about EN36C

835M15 / EN39B Case hardening steel

835M15 | EN39B grade steel is a 4.5% nickel-chromium-molybdenum case hardening steel which may be carburised and hardened in large sections to produce a hard wear resistance case

Applications, chemical compositions and mechanicals 835M15 / EN39B steel

835M15 steel enquiry

Black round

Should you not see the grade or format of case hardening steel you require, or if you're looking for advice on which steel grade to choose, talk to one of our advisors on 01457 866911 Or get in touch via our contact page

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