Case-hardening steel for highly durable and dynamically loaded components
Steel grade 1.7131 (16MnCr5, ČSN 14 220) is the most widely used case-hardening steel, offering excellent core toughness and a very hard, wear-resistant surface after carburizing. Thanks to the combination of a strong core and an extremely durable surface, it is ideal for components exposed to high wear, fatigue stress, and dynamic loads.
It is used wherever high service life, precision, and resistance to friction are required.
Properties of steel 1.7131 (16MnCr5)
🔩 High core strength
After quenching and tempering, the steel has a tough core resistant to impact and deformation.
⚙️ Extremely high surface hardness after carburizing
After carburizing and hardening, the surface reaches a hardness of up to 58–62 HRC, making it ideal for gears and rotating parts.
🔧 Good machinability
In both rolled and annealed condition, it is easy to machine and suitable for precise and geometrically demanding components.
🔥 Excellent hardenability of the surface layer
The carburized layer is homogeneous, hard, and highly resistant to wear.
🛠️ High resistance to fatigue stress
Ideal for parts operating under cyclic loading.
Chemical composition 1.7131 (16MnCr5)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.14 – 0.19 |
| Mn | 1.00 – 1.30 |
| Cr | 0.80 – 1.10 |
| Si | ≤ 0.40 |
| P | ≤ 0.025 |
| S | ≤ 0.035 |
Typical applications of steel 1.7131
⚙️ Gearing and transmission components
gears
pinions, gearbox shafts
gear rims
🔩 Dynamically loaded components
pins, shafts
cams, cam mechanisms
sliding and rotating components
🛠️ Automotive industry
shafts, hubs, pinions
gearbox and differential components
🧰 General mechanical engineering
bushings, sleeves
parts requiring a hard surface and a tough core
Heat treatment (guideline values)
| Process | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Carburizing | 880 – 980 °C | case depth 0.8–1.2 mm |
| Hardening after carburizing | 780 – 820 °C | oil quenching |
| Tempering | 150 – 200 °C | target: 58–62 HRC |
| Core quenching and tempering | 840 – 880 °C hardening + 550 – 680 °C tempering | core toughness |
| Soft annealing | 650 – 700 °C | for improved machinability |
Mechanical properties
Surface hardness after carburizing: 58–62 HRC
Core hardness: approx. 25–35 HRC
Core strength after quenching and tempering: 550–750 MPa
Elongation A: 10–15 %
