Steel 46Cr2
EN 46Cr2
46Cr2 (1.7006, AISI 5145) is a medium-carbon chromium alloy steel from the EN 10083 family, quenched and tempered for stressed machine components.
Reference datasheet — 46Cr2 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the +QT condition
46Cr2 tempers and conditions
46Cr2 is supplied in 11 conditions, soft to hard. +QT is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 11 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spheroidize annealed | Sub-critical spheroidizing anneal (~700–740 °C, slow cool) converts the pearlitic carbide into globular cementite, giving the softest, most cold-formable state of 46Cr2 for upsetting, cold extrusion and pre-machining. | 340 | 580 | 24 | 175 HB | 44 W/m·K |
Annealed | Choose for best machinability, cold heading or deep boring before final hardening. | 380 | 640 | 21 | 190 HB | — |
Hot rolled | Cheapest mill condition for stock that will be re-heat-treated by the part maker. | 420 | 720 | 17 | 17 HRC | 8.2 % IACS |
Normalized | Uniform fine-grain structure for forgings before machining or final Q&T. | 460 | 780 | 16 | 20 HRC | 8 % IACS |
+QT 40–100 mm | Use for larger bars where limited hardenability lowers the achievable core strength. | 460 | 720 | 15 | 19 HRC | — |
+QTDefault Quenched and tempered | Standard stocked condition: balanced strength and toughness for shafts, bolts and machine parts. | 620 | 880 | 13 | 27 HRC | — |
Cold drawn | Bright bar with tight tolerances and better surface for parts finished without further heat treatment. | 620 | 780 | 10 | 20 HRC | 8 % IACS |
Induction hardened | Pick for shafts, journals and cam surfaces needing a wear-resistant 50+ HRC case over a tough core. | 690 | 880 | 10 | 55 HRC | 7 % IACS |
+QT ≤16 mm | Highest strength class of the grade, achievable only in small diameters that through-harden. | 720 | 980 | 12 | 31 HRC | — |
Q&T to 28–32 HRC | Common purchase specification when the drawing calls out a hardness range rather than a strength class. | 750 | 960 | 13 | 30 HRC | 7.5 % IACS |
Hardenability-guaranteed (Jominy band) / hardened condition | Order when the Jominy hardenability band must be certified for a defined case/core hardness after quenching. | 1,900 | 2 | 55 HRC | — |
What is 46Cr2?
46Cr2 (1.7006, AISI 5145) is a medium-carbon chromium alloy steel from the EN 10083 family, quenched and tempered for stressed machine components. Typical +QT properties are 620 MPa yield, 880 MPa tensile, 13 % elongation and 265 HB (27 HRC), with service to about 400 °C; bar and forging stock are the usual forms for gears, shafts, bolts and springs. Weldability is poor (CE ≈ 0.7–0.8) and machinability is moderate (score 45), with no native corrosion resistance, so plating or phosphating is required. 38Cr2 is the lower-strength, more weldable alternative. 46Cr2 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). 46Cr2 has a yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 78% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is 46Cr2 used for?
- gears
- shafts
- bolts
- springs
Advantages
- High strength — 620 MPa (89.9 ksi), better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 80% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 13%, worse than 78% of steel grades
46Cr2 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 46Cr2-+QT; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
46Cr2 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical16
46Cr2 has a yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 78% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
46Cr2 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °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).
Electrical3
46Cr2 conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 46Cr2 takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
46Cr2's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 65% of steel grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. 46Cr2 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 46Cr2
Is 46Cr2 easy to machine?
Machine in the annealed or normalized state where possible; in Q&T at 28–32 HRC use coated carbide, rigid setups and moderate speeds (~45% of AISI 1212).
Can 46Cr2 be welded?
Poor weldability (CE ≈ 0.7–0.8): preheat 250–350 °C, use low-hydrogen consumables and temper immediately after welding; avoid welding in the hardened state.
Can 46Cr2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form only when spheroidize annealed; hot forge at 1050–850 °C followed by slow cooling or normalizing, then quench from 820–860 °C in oil and temper 540–680 °C.
46Cr2 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.42 – 0.5 | 0.46 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 0.8 | 0.65 |
| Cr | 0.4 – 0.6 | 0.5 |
| P≤0.035 for +S free-cutting variants | ≤ 0.03 | |
| S0.020–0.040 for machinability-improved versions | ≤ 0.04 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 46Cr2?
No native corrosion protection — apply black oxide, phosphate, zinc/manganese plating or paint; grinds and polishes well after hardening, and induction or nitrocarburizing treatments improve wear life.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel 46Cr2 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.7006
- Similar grades
- 5145
How much does 46Cr2 cost?
46Cr2 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
46Cr2 — frequently asked
What is 46Cr2 used for?
46Cr2 is typically used for gears, shafts, bolts and springs. In short: stronger than 38Cr2; AISI 5145 equivalent; induction-hardenable shaft steel.
What is the yield strength of 46Cr2?
46Cr2 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 78% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.
Is 46Cr2 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 65% of steel grades). Machine in the annealed or normalized state where possible; in Q&T at 28–32 HRC use coated carbide, rigid setups and moderate speeds (~45% of AISI 1212).
Can 46Cr2 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Poor weldability (CE ≈ 0.7–0.8): preheat 250–350 °C, use low-hydrogen consumables and temper immediately after welding; avoid welding in the hardened state.
What surface finishes work on 46Cr2?
No native corrosion protection — apply black oxide, phosphate, zinc/manganese plating or paint; grinds and polishes well after hardening, and induction or nitrocarburizing treatments improve wear life.
Can 46Cr2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form only when spheroidize annealed; hot forge at 1050–850 °C followed by slow cooling or normalizing, then quench from 820–860 °C in oil and temper 540–680 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of 46Cr2?
46Cr2 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 46Cr2 +QT and 46Cr2-IH?
+QT is the default condition — standard stocked condition: balanced strength and toughness for shafts, bolts and machine parts. IH: pick for shafts, journals and cam surfaces needing a wear-resistant 50+ HRC case over a tough core. Yield strength is 620 MPa in +QT versus 690 MPa in IH.
How much does 46Cr2 cost?
46Cr2 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EN 10083-3 Steels for quenching and tempering — Part 3: Alloy steels — CEN (2006)
- EN 10084 / EN 10250-3 (bar and forging conditions) — CEN (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys (5145 data) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16: Machining — ASM International (1989)
- GB/T 3077 (45Cr comparable grade) — SAC (2015)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.