Steel is one of the most indispensable materials in engineering and manufacturing. It is widely used in various applications due to its strength, durability, and versatility. C45E steel is among the most popular steel types in many industries today. This article will explore the composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses hardness, and heat treatment of C45E steel.
What is C45E Steel?
C45E steel is a carbon steel type widely used in various applications such as gears, shafts, axles, and manufacturing parts. It belongs to the EN 10083 standard, which specifies the technical delivery conditions of steels for quenching and tempering. Its chemical composition is characterized by high carbon and manganese content, making it suitable for high-stress applications. C45E steel also has low alloying elements such as chromium and nickel.
C45E Steel Composition
The presence of high carbon and manganese content characterizes the composition of C45E steel. It contains 0.45% carbon and 0.6% manganese, which makes the steel strong and durable. Other elements found in C45E steel include sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, and nickel. The composition of C45E steel is responsible for its excellent mechanical properties, which include high tensile strength, high yield strength, and good wear resistance.
| C | Si | Mn | Ni | P | S | Cr | Mo |
| 0.42 – 0.5 | max 0.4 | 0.5 – 0.8 | max 0.4 | max 0.03 | max 0.035 | max 0.4 | max 0.1 |
C45E Steel Physical Properties
C45E steel has various physical properties that make it suitable for different applications. Its density is approximately 7.85 g/cm3, which indicates it is high-density steel. It has a melting point of around 1420 to 1460°C, which means it has good heat resistance. The thermal conductivity of C45E steel is around 51 W/mK, which makes it a suitable material for heat transfer applications.
C45E Steel Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of C45E steel are excellent, making it a popular choice in different industries. Its high tensile strength ranges from 570 to 700 MPa, and its yield strength is approximately 330 MPa. Its hardness ranges from 170 to 210 HB, making it a moderately complex material. C45E steel also possesses good toughness, fatigue resistance, and wear resistance.
C45E Steel Equivalents
| USA | UK | China | Japan | Australia |
| 1045 | 080M46 | 45# | S45C | 1045 |
C45E Steel Uses
C45E steel is widely used in various industrial applications because of its excellent properties. It produces gears, shafts, axles, crankshafts, and other high-stress components. It also produces machines, equipment, and tools that require high strength and durability. C45E steel is ideal for manufacturing parts subjected to high forces and stresses.
C45E Steel Hardness
Various methods, including Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell hardness tests, can assess the hardness of C45E steel. The Rockwell hardness test accurately measures hardness, and C45E steel typically ranges from 55 to 60 HRC. The Vickers hardness test is another method commonly used to measure hardness, with C45E steel having a range of 170 to 210 HV.
C45E Steel Heat Treatment
C45E steel can be subjected to different heat treatments, such as quenching and tempering. Quenching involves heating the steel to a high temperature and cooling it rapidly. Tempering, on the other hand, involves heating the steel to a low temperature and then slowly cooling it. The heat treatment process influences the mechanical and physical properties of C45E steel, such as its tensile strength and hardness.
Conclusion
C45E steel is a valuable material that offers excellent properties for various applications. Its high strength, good wear resistance, and durability have made it popular in different industries. Understanding the composition, physical and mechanical properties, use, hardness, and heat treatment of C45E steel are essential for making informed decisions about its application. With this knowledge, manufacturers and engineers can leverage C45E steel’s outstanding properties to manufacture high-quality components and products that meet the required standards.
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
