16MnCr5 Forgings
16MnCr5 is the lower-carbon sibling of 20MnCr5, chosen when core ductility matters more than core strength — small gears, pins, bushes and parts that must absorb shock without cracking.
- Carbon
- 0.14 – 0.19%
- Manganese
- 1.00 – 1.30%
- Chromium
- 0.80 – 1.10%
- Case Hardness
- 58 – 62 HRC
- Supply Hardness
- 150 – 200 BHN
- Equivalent
- AISI 5115, SCr415
16MnCr5 Forgings at a glance
Quotable facts from Avadh Techno Forge, Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot.
- Carbon: 0.14 – 0.19%
- Manganese: 1.00 – 1.30%
- Chromium: 0.80 – 1.10%
- Case Hardness: 58 – 62 HRC
- Supply Hardness: 150 – 200 BHN
- Equivalent: AISI 5115, SCr415
Ductile Core, Hard Skin
At 0.14–0.19% carbon the core stays notably ductile after carburising, so a shock overload deforms the part rather than snapping it — valuable in agricultural and off-highway service where overloads are routine.
- Very ductile core
- Case hardness 58–62 HRC
- Good shock tolerance
- Fine grain structure
Machining Before Hardening
Supplied at 150–200 BHN, it machines cleanly and holds fine detail — an advantage on small gears and splines where tooling forces would otherwise distort thin sections.
Applications
Small and medium gears, splined bushes, cam followers, chain pins, universal joint crosses and light transmission parts.
16MnCr5 Chemical Composition and Case Properties
16MnCr5 (1.7131) is the lower-carbon sibling of 20MnCr5, specified under EN ISO 683-3 with AISI 5115 and JIS SCr415 as counterparts. The reduced carbon leaves a noticeably more ductile core after carburising, which is why it is chosen where shock overloads are routine rather than exceptional.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.14 – 0.19% |
| Manganese | 1.00 – 1.30% |
| Chromium | 0.80 – 1.10% |
| Silicon | 0.40% maximum |
| Case hardness after carburising | 58 – 62 HRC |
| Core | More ductile than 20MnCr5 |
| Supply hardness for machining | ≈ 150 – 200 HB |
| Close equivalents | AISI 5115, SCr415 |
Choosing 16MnCr5 for Shock-Prone Duty
Agricultural and off-highway transmissions meet overloads that road vehicles rarely see — a plough striking a buried stone, an implement snatching under load. A more ductile core lets the tooth deform rather than crack when that happens. Automotive transmissions, whose loads are high but controlled, generally favour 20MnCr5's higher core strength instead. The comparison is set out in 20MnCr5 versus 16MnCr5. One practical consideration: 20MnCr5 is more widely stocked in India, which can shorten lead time.
People also ask
Why choose 16MnCr5 for agricultural gears?
Its lower carbon leaves a more ductile core, so shock overloads from ground obstacles deform the tooth rather than cracking it.
Can 16MnCr5 be through hardened?
No. It is a case hardening grade; through hardening requires a medium carbon grade such as EN8 or EN19.
Topics covered on this page
- 16MnCr5 forging manufacturer India
- carburising steel forgings
- 16MnCr5 forged blanks
- case hardening forging Rajkot
Based on work carried out at our own forging plant at Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot — operating since 2008.
Questions Answered
16MnCr5 or 20MnCr5?
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16MnCr5 where core ductility and shock tolerance matter most; 20MnCr5 where higher core strength is needed.
Is 16MnCr5 easy to machine?
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Yes, at 150–200 BHN it machines cleanly and holds fine detail on small features.
What parts suit this grade?
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Small gears, splined bushes, cam followers, chain pins and light transmission components.
Can it be through hardened?
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No — it is a case hardening grade. Through hardening requires a medium carbon grade like EN8 or EN19.