Steel C22 · heat-treated state · default condition
Steel C22 Normalized
Properties of the Normalized condition, compared with the other C22 tempers.
Standard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts.
What is C22 Normalized?
C22 Normalized is C22 heat treated to Normalized — standard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts. C22 Normalized has a yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 89% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). C22 Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 92% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 285 MPa (41.3 ksi), worse than 89% of steel grades
C22 Normalized properties
Typical room-temperature values for C22 Normalized — 13 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every C22 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
C22 Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).
Mechanical16
C22 Normalized has a yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 89% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C22 Normalized is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C22 Normalized conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C22 Normalized takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
C22 Normalized's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (80/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other C22 tempers and conditions
C22 is also supplied in 6 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the C22 overview.
- NormalizedDefaultStandard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts.285 MPa yield · 140 HB
- ColdDrawnChoose for close tolerance, bright surface bar and better chip control on automatic machines; ductility is reduced.460 MPa yield · 175 HB
- QTUse for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully.375 MPa yield · 175 HB
- CarburizedPick when a wear-resistant hard case over a tough low-carbon core is needed (bushings, small gears, pins); normally ordered as C22E.340 MPa yield · 58 HRC
- HotRolledCheapest as-rolled bar and plate for non-critical structures and weldments where scale and looser tolerances are acceptable.265 MPa yield · 135 HB
- AnnealedPick for maximum cold formability, deep drawing or before heavy machining/cold heading.235 MPa yield · 125 HB
Working with C22 Normalized
Is C22 easy to machine?
Machines easily but is gummy in the annealed state — run normalized or cold-drawn stock, use positive-rake tools, high speed and good coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can C22 be welded?
Excellent weldability by MMA/MIG/TIG/spot with ER70S-type filler; CEV ≈ 0.35 so no preheat is needed below ~30 mm section.
Can C22 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bending, deep drawing, cold heading and hot forging (1100–1250 °C) all straightforward; anneal between heavy draws.
What surface finishes work on C22?
No anodizing; protect by zinc/nickel plating, phosphate + oil, blackening or paint — bare surfaces rust within hours in humid air.
C22 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 10083-2 | 0.17 – 0.24 | 0.22 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.4 – 0.7 | 0.55 |
| PC22E ≤0.030 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| SC22E ≤0.035; C22R 0.020–0.040 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Moresidual; Cr+Mo+Ni ≤ 0.63 | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Fe | balance | — |
C22 Normalized — frequently asked
What is C22 Normalized used for?
C22 Normalized is typically used for general fabrication, brackets and welded plate. In short: european medium-carbon bar.
What is the yield strength of C22 Normalized?
C22 Normalized has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 89% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is C22 Normalized easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines easily but is gummy in the annealed state — run normalized or cold-drawn stock, use positive-rake tools, high speed and good coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can C22 Normalized be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability by MMA/MIG/TIG/spot with ER70S-type filler; CEV ≈ 0.35 so no preheat is needed below ~30 mm section.
What surface finishes work on C22 Normalized?
No anodizing; protect by zinc/nickel plating, phosphate + oil, blackening or paint — bare surfaces rust within hours in humid air.
Can C22 Normalized be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bending, deep drawing, cold heading and hot forging (1100–1250 °C) all straightforward; anneal between heavy draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of C22 Normalized?
C22 Normalized 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 C22 Normalized and C22-QT?
Normalized is the default condition — standard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts. QT: use for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully. Yield strength is 285 MPa in Normalized versus 375 MPa in QT.
Can FabDigit make parts in C22 Normalized?
Yes — C22 Normalized is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10083-2 Steels for quenching and tempering — Non-alloy steels — CEN (2006)
- EN 10084 Case hardening steels (C22E) — CEN (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Machinery's Handbook, machinability ratings — Industrial Press (2020)
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.