Steel C15E2C
EN C15E2C
C15E2C is a special-quality low-carbon steel (1.1132, about 0.15 % C) with cold-heading (2C) processing controls, cross-referenced to 1015 and 15, supplied as wire and rod for cold-formed parts that are later case hardened.
Reference datasheet — C15E2C 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 +AC+C condition
C15E2C tempers and conditions
C15E2C is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. +AC+C is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spheroidize annealed | Pick when maximum cold-upsetting ductility is needed before drawing or severe extrusion. | 250 | 390 | 30 | 112 HB | — |
Hot rolled | Pick as the mill starting stock for drawing, spheroidizing or direct light upsetting. | 270 | 440 | 28 | 120 HB | — |
+AC+CDefault Spheroidize annealed and cold drawn | Standard fastener-shop feedstock: soft spheroidized structure with drawn size/surface for multi-station cold heading before carburising. | 380 | 470 | 12 | 140 HB | — |
Cold drawn from untreated hot-rolled stock | Pick for straight bright bar/wire where higher as-drawn strength and size accuracy matter more than upsetting ductility. | 450 | 550 | 12 | 160 HB | — |
Case hardened | Final in-service condition of cold-headed parts: hard wear-resistant case over a soft ductile low-carbon core. | 480 | 700 | 12 | 60 HRC | — |
What is C15E2C?
C15E2C is a special-quality low-carbon steel (1.1132, about 0.15 % C) with cold-heading (2C) processing controls, cross-referenced to 1015 and 15, supplied as wire and rod for cold-formed parts that are later case hardened. Engineers choose it for high upset ratios combined with a harder case than 0.10 % C grades; the default condition gives 380 MPa yield, 470 MPa tensile, 12 % elongation and about 140 HB (76 HRB), with weldability 92/100 and formability 92/100. Conditions on file are +U, +AC, +U+C, +AC+C and Carburized+QT. Machinability is moderate (62/100) and there is no corrosion resistance; C10E2C is the alternative when maximum cold formability outranks case hardness. C15E2C has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F). C15E2C has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is C15E2C used for?
- Cold-headed screws
- Case-hardened pins
- Wire products
- Small precision shafts
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 92/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 12%, worse than 84% of steel grades
C15E2C properties
Typical room-temperature values for C15E2C-+AC+C; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
C15E2C has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,460°C (2,660 °F).
Mechanical14
C15E2C has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
C15E2C is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.9 µm/m·K (6.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C15E2C conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C15E2C takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
C15E2C's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability excellent (92/100).
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. C15E2C is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C15E2C
Is C15E2C easy to machine?
Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and generous coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn condition machines better than spheroidized.
Can C15E2C be welded?
Excellent weldability by all common processes (CEV ≈ 0.25); no preheat or post-weld heat treatment for normal sections, but avoid welding after carburising.
Can C15E2C be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for multi-station cold heading and cold extrusion with high upset ratios; phosphate+soap or polymer lubricant coating on +AC wire gives best die life.
C15E2C 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 | 0.12 – 0.18 | 0.15 |
| Silow-Si (≤0.10) versions ordered for severe cold extrusion | ≤ 0.3 | 0.12 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Smax; 'E' = controlled low sulfur | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Algrain-refining, Al-killed fine grain | 0.02 – 0.06 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on C15E2C?
Not anodizable; protect with zinc or zinc-nickel electroplate (with baking to avoid H embrittlement on case-hardened parts), zinc-flake coatings, phosphate+oil or black oxide.
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 C15E2C in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does C15E2C cost?
C15E2C is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C15E2C — frequently asked
What is C15E2C used for?
C15E2C is typically used for cold-headed screws, case-hardened pins, wire products and small precision shafts. In short: case-hardening cold-heading grade; harder case than C10E2C; fastener wire quality.
What is the yield strength of C15E2C?
C15E2C has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — weaker than 68% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C15E2C easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and generous coolant to avoid built-up edge; cold-drawn condition machines better than spheroidized.
Can C15E2C be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability by all common processes (CEV ≈ 0.25); no preheat or post-weld heat treatment for normal sections, but avoid welding after carburising.
What surface finishes work on C15E2C?
Not anodizable; protect with zinc or zinc-nickel electroplate (with baking to avoid H embrittlement on case-hardened parts), zinc-flake coatings, phosphate+oil or black oxide.
Can C15E2C be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for multi-station cold heading and cold extrusion with high upset ratios; phosphate+soap or polymer lubricant coating on +AC wire gives best die life.
What is the maximum service temperature of C15E2C?
C15E2C is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does C15E2C cost?
C15E2C is a budget-cost steel ($), 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 10263-4: Steel rod, bars and wire for cold heading and cold extrusion — Steels for quenching and tempering / case hardening — CEN (2018)
- EN 10263-1: General technical delivery conditions (delivery conditions +U, +AC, +C) — CEN (2018)
- EN 10084: Case hardening steels — Technical delivery conditions — CEN (2008)
- GB/T 6478 / GB/T 699 (ML15, 15 ) — SAC (2015)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- Cold heading quality wire rod datasheets (C15E2C / 1.1132) — European & Asian wire-rod producers (2023)
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.