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Steel 16MnCrB5 +H

Grade

EN 16MnCrB5

+H = supplied with specified hardenability band (Jominy), properties after…

Choose when Jominy hardenability must be guaranteed; core/case values listed are for the finished carburised, quenched and 180 °C tempered part.

Budget cost $

Values for the +H condition

Other 16MnCrB5 tempers and conditions

16MnCrB5 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 16MnCrB5.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Spheroidize annealed
Softest condition, chosen for cold extrusion, cold heading and deep upsetting of gear and fastener blanks.33052025160 HB—
+FPDefault
Treated to ferrite-pearlite structure and hardness range
Standard machining condition for hot-rolled/peeled bar destined for gear hobbing before carburising.40062020175 HB—
Spheroidized annealed then cold drawn
Bright cold-drawn bar with tight tolerance and good straightness for automatic-lathe parts and shafts prior to carburising.52068011205 HB—
+HThis page
Supplied with specified hardenability band (Jominy), properties after…
Choose when Jominy hardenability must be guaranteed; core/case values listed are for the finished carburised, quenched and 180 °C tempered part.7009501060 HRC—

What is 16MnCrB5 +H?

16MnCrB5 +H is 16MnCrB5 in the +H grade — choose when Jominy hardenability must be guaranteed; core/case values listed are for the finished carburised, quenched and 180 °C tempered part. 16MnCrB5 +H has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). 16MnCrB5 +H has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). +FP is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +H is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 700 MPa (102 ksi), better than 81% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 180°C (356 °F), worse than 98% of steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades
  • Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 91% of steel grades
  • Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 91% of steel grades

16MnCrB5 +H properties

Typical room-temperature values for 16MnCrB5 +H; 18 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 16MnCrB5 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

16MnCrB5 +H has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,420°C2,588 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,490°C2,714 °F

Mechanical15

16MnCrB5 +H has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus80 GPa11.6 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)950 MPa138 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)700 MPa102 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Reduction in Area40%
Compressive Strength720 MPa104 ksi
Shear Strength570 MPa82.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)480 MPa69.6 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)35 J25.8 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell300 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B88 HRB
Hardness, Vickers700 HV

Thermal6

16MnCrB5 +H is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.5 µm/m·K (6.39 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion247 J/g106 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)180°C356 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F

Electrical3

16MnCrB5 +H conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, better than 63% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.65 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryRusts readily in humid air, water and chloride media; resists dry hydrocarbons, oils and most non-oxidising organics; attacked by dilute acids. Requires oiling, phosphating, zinc plating or paint for storage and service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 16MnCrB5 +H takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability8

16MnCrB5 +H's machinability is poor (20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (5/100).

MachinabilityPoor20/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)20%
WeldabilityPoor15/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended5/100
CastabilityPoor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use phosphating, black oxide, zinc or Zn-Ni plating instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 16MnCrB5 +H

Is 16MnCrB5 easy to machine?

Machine in +FP or +AC+C condition with coated carbide (Vc ≈ 150–220 m/min); gummy in fully spheroidized bar — use positive geometry and sharp edges, finish-grind after carburising.

Can 16MnCrB5 be welded?

Weldable in the soft condition with low-hydrogen consumables and 150–250 °C preheat; avoid welding carburised or hardened zones, and post-weld temper to limit martensite cracking.

Can 16MnCrB5 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold heading and cold extrusion in +AC (phosphate + soap lubrication); hot forge at 1100–850 °C then normalise at 880–920 °C to restore uniform grain.

What surface finishes work on 16MnCrB5?

Not anodisable — carburise 900–930 °C, oil quench, temper 150–200 °C, then shot peen for fatigue and protect with black oxide, phosphate or zinc/Zn-Ni plating (bake to avoid hydrogen embrittlement).

16MnCrB5 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
C0.14 – 0.190.16
Si≤ 0.40.25
Mn1 – 1.31.15
P≤ 0.030.02
Smax; +S variants to 0.020-0.040≤ 0.040.02
Cr0.8 – 1.10.95
Bboron effective only with Ti/Al nitrogen fixing8×10⁻⁴ – 0.010
Febalance—

16MnCrB5 +H — frequently asked

What is 16MnCrB5 +H used for?

16MnCrB5 +H is typically used for gears, small shafts and case-hardened components. In short: boron-boosted 16MnCr5; low-cost case-hardening gear steel; strong cold-heading response.

What is the yield strength of 16MnCrB5 +H?

16MnCrB5 +H has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 81% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is 16MnCrB5 +H easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades). Machine in +FP or +AC+C condition with coated carbide (Vc ≈ 150–220 m/min); gummy in fully spheroidized bar — use positive geometry and sharp edges, finish-grind after carburising.

Can 16MnCrB5 +H be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Weldable in the soft condition with low-hydrogen consumables and 150–250 °C preheat; avoid welding carburised or hardened zones, and post-weld temper to limit martensite cracking.

What surface finishes work on 16MnCrB5 +H?

Not anodisable — carburise 900–930 °C, oil quench, temper 150–200 °C, then shot peen for fatigue and protect with black oxide, phosphate or zinc/Zn-Ni plating (bake to avoid hydrogen embrittlement).

Can 16MnCrB5 +H be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold heading and cold extrusion in +AC (phosphate + soap lubrication); hot forge at 1100–850 °C then normalise at 880–920 °C to restore uniform grain.

What is the maximum service temperature of 16MnCrB5 +H?

16MnCrB5 +H is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. EN 10084 — Case hardening steels: technical delivery conditions — CEN (2008)
  2. EN 10277 — Bright steel products: technical delivery conditions — CEN (2018)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.4A — Steel Heat Treating Fundamentals (boron hardenability) — ASM International (2013)
  5. Case-hardening steel bar datasheets (16MnCr5 / 16MnCrB5 class) — European long-products mills (2022)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.