Steel C56E2-IH (Induction hardened)
Heat-treated state
EN C56E2
The primary reason this grade exists: a hard, compressively stressed rolling-contact surface over a tough core.
Values for the IH condition
Other C56E2 tempers and conditions
C56E2 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at C56E2.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ADefault Annealed | Stock condition for strip and bar: softest, best for deep drawing, machining and cold forming before hardening. | 350 | 620 | 18 | 180 HB | — |
Normalized | Uniform fine ferrite-pearlite for stable machining and predictable response to subsequent induction hardening. | 430 | 800 | 14 | 235 HB | — |
Treated for high shearability | Choose when bar or strip must be cold-sheared, blanked or cropped cleanly without cracking before hardening. | 450 | 780 | 13 | 230 HB | — |
Quenched and tempered | Through-hardened and high-temperature tempered for a strong, still machinable core in shafts, cams and pins. | 600 | 900 | 12 | 29 HRC | — |
IHThis page Induction hardened | The primary reason this grade exists: a hard, compressively stressed rolling-contact surface over a tough core. | 600 | 900 | 10 | 60 HRC | — |
Cold drawn | Highest as-delivered strength/flatness for shims and flat springs used without further heat treatment. | 860 | 1,000 | 3 | 31 HRC | 9 % IACS |
+QT 45–50 HRC | Spring/blade condition: oil or water quench plus 300–400 °C temper for high elastic limit and wear resistance. | 1,250 | 1,500 | 6 | 47 HRC | — |
What is C56E2-IH?
C56E2-IH is C56E2 heat treated to IH — the primary reason this grade exists: a hard, compressively stressed rolling-contact surface over a tough core. C56E2-IH has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). C56E2-IH has a density of 7.84 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). +A is the default condition FabDigit quotes; IH is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 48 W/m·K (27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 78% of steel grades
- High strength — 600 MPa (87 ksi), better than 77% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 9.5 % IACS, better than 75% of steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 5/100, worse than 100% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 10/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 180°C (356 °F), worse than 98% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 91% of steel grades
- Low fracture toughness — 55 MPa·√m (50.1 ksi·√in), worse than 82% of steel grades
C56E2-IH properties
Typical room-temperature values for C56E2-IH; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C56E2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
C56E2-IH has a density of 7.84 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical16
C56E2-IH has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C56E2-IH is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 48 W/m·K (27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C56E2-IH conducts electricity at 9.5 % IACS, better than 75% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C56E2-IH takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
C56E2-IH's machinability is not recommended (10/100, worse than 99% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (5/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C56E2-IH
Is C56E2 easy to machine?
Machine in the +A or +S condition with carbide at moderate speed; above ~280 HB tool life drops sharply and finishing of hardened parts requires grinding.
Can C56E2 be welded?
Poor weldability (CE ≈ 0.7): preheat 250–350 °C, low-hydrogen consumables and immediate stress relief/temper, otherwise martensitic HAZ cracking.
Can C56E2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form/blank only in the annealed state with generous bend radii (≥2t); hot form 850–1100 °C and always re-normalize before hardening.
What surface finishes work on C56E2?
No inherent corrosion protection — black oxide, phosphate, zinc plating (with bake-out to avoid hydrogen embrittlement) or oil; hardened surfaces grind and lap to a mirror finish.
C56E2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cgrade-defining carbon level | 0.52 – 0.6 | 0.56 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.6 – 0.9 | 0.75 |
| Pquality-steel limit | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| SE2 = restricted sulfur for cleanliness | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Crresidual; Cr+Mo+Ni typically ≤0.63 | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Moresidual | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance | — |
C56E2-IH — frequently asked
What is C56E2-IH used for?
C56E2-IH is typically used for induction-hardened bearing races, shafts, rollers and wear rings. In short: induction-hardening carbon grade; bearing-race steel; hard case, tough core.
What is the yield strength of C56E2-IH?
C56E2-IH has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is C56E2-IH easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (10/100, worse than 99% of steel grades). Machine in the +A or +S condition with carbide at moderate speed; above ~280 HB tool life drops sharply and finishing of hardened parts requires grinding.
Can C56E2-IH be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (5/100). Poor weldability (CE ≈ 0.7): preheat 250–350 °C, low-hydrogen consumables and immediate stress relief/temper, otherwise martensitic HAZ cracking.
What surface finishes work on C56E2-IH?
No inherent corrosion protection — black oxide, phosphate, zinc plating (with bake-out to avoid hydrogen embrittlement) or oil; hardened surfaces grind and lap to a mirror finish.
Can C56E2-IH be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form/blank only in the annealed state with generous bend radii (≥2t); hot form 850–1100 °C and always re-normalize before hardening.
What is the maximum service temperature of C56E2-IH?
C56E2-IH 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.
What is the difference between C56E2 +A and C56E2-IH?
+A is the default condition — stock condition for strip and bar: softest, best for deep drawing, machining and cold forming before hardening. IH: the primary reason this grade exists: a hard, compressively stressed rolling-contact surface over a tough core. Yield strength is 350 MPa in +A versus 600 MPa in IH.
Sources
- EN 10132-3/-4 — Cold rolled narrow steel strip for heat treatment — CEN (2000)
- EN 10083-2 — Steels for quenching and tempering: non-alloy steels — CEN (2006)
- EN 10027-2 / Stahl-Eisen-Liste (material number 1.1219) — CEN / VDEh (2015)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Machinery's Handbook (machinability ratings) — Industrial Press (2020)
- GB/T 699 (55 60 comparison grades) — SAC (2015)
- Mysteel / SMM (2025)
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.