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Steel GCr9 QT58-62HRC

Hardness band

GB GCr9

QT58-62HRC = quenched & tempered, 58–62 HRC

Slightly softer, tougher and more dimensionally stable variant for shock-loaded or warmer-running components.

Budget cost $

Values for the QT58-62HRC condition

Other GCr9 tempers and conditions

GCr9 is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at GCr9.

Compare all 8 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
ADefault
Solution annealed
Standard stocked condition (179–207 HB) for turning, cold forming and ring rolling before hardening.39064023190 HB44 W/m·K
Hot rolled
As-rolled bar stock before spheroidizing; cheapest form, hard and coarse-structured, normally re-annealed before machining.5509001227 HRC7 % IACS
Normalized
Used to break up carbide networks in forgings before spheroidizing; not a delivery condition for finished parts.6001,0001031 HRC7 % IACS
Cold drawn
Precision-size bright bar for automatic-lathe production of rollers, pins and small races.6007501020 HRC7 % IACS
Induction hardened
Local surface hardening of larger shafts/raceways where a tough unhardened core is wanted.1,0001,200260 HRC6.5 % IACS
QT58-62HRCThis page
Quenched & tempered, 58–62 HRC
Slightly softer, tougher and more dimensionally stable variant for shock-loaded or warmer-running components.1,6001,950260 HRC—
Bainite hardened (austempered), 58–62 HRC
Isothermal salt-bath quench to lower bainite: lower distortion, compressive surface stresses and better toughness for contaminated-lubrication or impact-loaded bearings.1,6502,0002.560 HRC—
Quenched & low-temperature tempered, 60–64 HRC
Standard bearing-service condition: oil/martempered from ~830–850 °C and tempered 150–180 °C for maximum wear and rolling-contact fatigue life.1,7502,150162 HRC38 W/m·K

What is GCr9 QT58-62HRC?

GCr9 QT58-62HRC is GCr9 heat treated to QT58-62HRC — slightly softer, tougher and more dimensionally stable variant for shock-loaded or warmer-running components. GCr9 QT58-62HRC has a yield strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) — stronger than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). GCr9 QT58-62HRC has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). A is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT58-62HRC is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 99% of steel grades
  • High strength — 1,600 MPa (232 ksi), better than 98% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 99% of steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 12/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 180°C (356 °F), worse than 98% of steel grades
  • Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 91% of steel grades

GCr9 QT58-62HRC properties

Typical room-temperature values for GCr9 QT58-62HRC; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are GCr9 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

GCr9 QT58-62HRC has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).

Density7.81 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,425°C2,597 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,470°C2,678 °F

Mechanical15

GCr9 QT58-62HRC has a yield strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) — stronger than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus80 GPa11.6 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,950 MPa283 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)1,600 MPa232 ksi
Elongation at Break2%
Reduction in Area45%
Compressive Strength2,900 MPa421 ksi
Shear Strength400 MPa58 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)720 MPa104 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)9 J6.6 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell190 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B92 HRB
Hardness, Vickers700 HV

Thermal6

GCr9 QT58-62HRC is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 44 W/m·K (25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)180°C356 °F
Min Service Temperature-60°C-76 °F

Electrical3

GCr9 QT58-62HRC conducts electricity at 7 % IACS, worse than 74% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity7 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.84 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryNo inherent corrosion resistance: rusts in humid air, water, salt and acids; requires rust-preventive oil, phosphating, black oxide or zinc/chrome plating. Compatible with mineral and synthetic bearing lubricants; attacked by chlorinated coolants left on parts.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of GCr9 QT58-62HRC takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability7

GCr9 QT58-62HRC's machinability is not recommended (12/100, worse than 99% of steel grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability fair (45/100).

MachinabilityNot recommended12/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)35%
WeldabilityPoor15/100
Formability (cold)Fair45/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair35/100
PolishabilityExcellent85/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use black oxide, phosphate or plating instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with GCr9 QT58-62HRC

Is GCr9 easy to machine?

Machine only in the spheroidize-annealed state (179–207 HB) with coated carbide; after hardening use CBN hard turning or grinding.

Can GCr9 be welded?

Effectively unweldable — 1 % C causes quench cracking; if unavoidable, preheat >300 °C, low-hydrogen filler and immediate stress relief.

Can GCr9 be formed, bent or molded?

Cold heading and ring rolling are done after spheroidizing; hot forging at 1050–1100 °C followed by controlled cooling and re-annealing to avoid carbide networks.

What surface finishes work on GCr9?

Rust-preventive oil, black oxide, phosphate or thin hard chrome; hardened surfaces lap and superfinish to mirror Ra < 0.05 µm for raceways.

GCr9 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Chigh carbon for martensite hardness and carbides0.95 – 1.051
Crlower than GCr15 → shallower hardenability0.9 – 1.21.05
Si0.15 – 0.350.25
Mn0.2 – 0.40.3
Pimpurity limit≤ 0.03—
Simpurity limit≤ 0.02—
Niresidual≤ 0.3—
Curesidual≤ 0.25—
Moresidual≤ 0.1—
Febalance—

GCr9 QT58-62HRC — frequently asked

What is GCr9 QT58-62HRC used for?

GCr9 QT58-62HRC is typically used for small ball bearing rings and balls, needle roller bearing components, light-duty rollers and pins, cam followers, linear guide balls and small wear bushings and sleeves. In short: economical alternative to GCr15; for small bearing sections; through-hardens to 64 HRC.

What is the yield strength of GCr9 QT58-62HRC?

GCr9 QT58-62HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) — stronger than 98% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.

Is GCr9 QT58-62HRC easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (12/100, worse than 99% of steel grades). Machine only in the spheroidize-annealed state (179–207 HB) with coated carbide; after hardening use CBN hard turning or grinding.

Can GCr9 QT58-62HRC be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Effectively unweldable — 1 % C causes quench cracking; if unavoidable, preheat >300 °C, low-hydrogen filler and immediate stress relief.

What surface finishes work on GCr9 QT58-62HRC?

Rust-preventive oil, black oxide, phosphate or thin hard chrome; hardened surfaces lap and superfinish to mirror Ra < 0.05 µm for raceways.

Can GCr9 QT58-62HRC be formed, bent or molded?

Cold heading and ring rolling are done after spheroidizing; hot forging at 1050–1100 °C followed by controlled cooling and re-annealing to avoid carbide networks.

What is the maximum service temperature of GCr9 QT58-62HRC?

GCr9 QT58-62HRC 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 GCr9-A and GCr9-BQ?

A is the default condition — standard stocked condition (179–207 HB) for turning, cold forming and ring rolling before hardening. BQ: isothermal salt-bath quench to lower bainite: lower distortion, compressive surface stresses and better toughness for contaminated-lubrication or impact-loaded bearings. Yield strength is 390 MPa in A versus 1,650 MPa in BQ.

Sources

  1. ASTM A295 / A295M High-Carbon Anti-Friction Bearing Steel (51100, 52100) — ASTM International (2014)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  3. 100Cr6 / 52100 bearing steel bar datasheet — Ovako / (2022)

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.