16MnCr5 is a low-carbon manganese-chromium steel for case hardening, slightly leaner than 20MnCr5. After carburising and hardening it has a hard surface of about 58–62 HRC over a tough core. It is used for gears, shafts, camshafts and pins of moderate size.
Quick facts
- Type
- Low-carbon alloy case-hardening steel
- Main alloys
- Manganese and chromium
- Case hardness
- About 58–62 HRC after carburising and hardening
- Core
- Tough; a little softer than 20MnCr5
- Machinability
- Good when annealed or normalised
- Close equivalent
- SAE 5115
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| EN 10084 / DIN | 16MnCr5, 1.7131 |
| SAE / AISI | 5115 (close) |
| Similar steels | 20MnCr5, EN353, SAE 8620 |
Equivalents are close, not identical. Name the grade and standard on the drawing.
Typical chemical composition
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | About 0.14–0.19 |
| Manganese (Mn) | About 1.00–1.30 |
| Chromium (Cr) | About 0.80–1.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | Up to about 0.40 |
Values are typical. The exact limits depend on the standard and supplier; ask for the mill test certificate when it matters.
Heat treatment
- Carburise at about 880–950 °C to the case depth wanted
- Quench in oil, directly or after reheating to about 820–860 °C
- Temper at about 150–200 °C
- Grind fits and bearing seats after hardening
Typical uses
- Gears and pinions of small and medium size
- Shafts, camshafts and spindles
- Piston pins and pins
- Couplings and splined parts
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Questions
- 16MnCr5 or 20MnCr5?
- Both are case-hardening steels. 20MnCr5 has a little more carbon and alloy, giving a stronger core for larger, heavily loaded gears; 16MnCr5 suits smaller sections.
- Can 16MnCr5 be through hardened?
- Its carbon is low, so through hardening gives only modest hardness. It is meant to be carburised.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 15 October 2026.