Steel 46Cr2 +QT-16 (+QT ≤16 mm)
Heat-treated state
EN 46Cr2
Highest strength class of the grade, achievable only in small diameters that through-harden.
Values for the +QT-16 condition
Other 46Cr2 tempers and conditions
46Cr2 is listed in 11 conditions; see the grade overview at 46Cr2.
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-16This page +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 +QT-16?
46Cr2 +QT-16 is 46Cr2 heat treated to +QT-16 — highest strength class of the grade, achievable only in small diameters that through-harden. 46Cr2 +QT-16 has a yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) and a tensile strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) — stronger than 82% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). 46Cr2 +QT-16 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). +QT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +QT-16 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 720 MPa (104 ksi), better than 82% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 12%, worse than 84% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 80% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades
46Cr2 +QT-16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 46Cr2 +QT-16; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 46Cr2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
46Cr2 +QT-16 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 +QT-16 has a yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) and a tensile strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) — stronger than 82% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
46Cr2 +QT-16 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 +QT-16 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 +QT-16 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 +QT-16's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 46Cr2 +QT-16
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.
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.
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 | — |
46Cr2 +QT-16 — frequently asked
What is 46Cr2 +QT-16 used for?
46Cr2 +QT-16 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 +QT-16?
46Cr2 +QT-16 has a typical yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) and a tensile strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) — stronger than 82% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.
Is 46Cr2 +QT-16 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 77% 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 +QT-16 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 +QT-16?
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 +QT-16 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 +QT-16?
46Cr2 +QT-16 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.