EN36 is a low-carbon nickel-chromium steel for case hardening. Its high nickel content gives a very tough core under a hard carburised case, so it is chosen for heavily loaded gears, crankshafts and parts that face shock.
Quick facts
- Type
- Low-carbon nickel-chromium case-hardening steel
- Main alloys
- About 3–3.75% nickel, chromium
- Case hardness
- About 58–62 HRC after carburising
- Core
- Very tough, high impact strength
- As supplied
- Annealed or normalised, for machining
- Common forms
- Round bars and forgings
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| BS 970 | 655M13 (EN36), EN36C |
| Similar steels | EN353, 17CrNiMo6, SAE 9310 (close) |
Equivalents are close, not identical. Name the grade and standard on the drawing.
Typical chemical composition
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | About 0.10–0.16 |
| Manganese (Mn) | About 0.35–0.60 |
| Nickel (Ni) | About 3.00–3.75 |
| Chromium (Cr) | About 0.60–1.10 |
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 880–930 °C
- Refine the core and harden: oil quench, often after reheating
- Temper at about 150–200 °C
- Grind after hardening where the size is critical
Typical uses
- Heavy-duty gears and crown wheels
- Crankshafts and camshafts
- Shafts and pins under shock loads
- Aircraft and heavy-vehicle transmission parts
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Questions
- EN36 or EN353?
- Both are nickel-chromium case-hardening steels. EN36 has more nickel and a tougher core, for the most heavily loaded and shock-loaded parts.
- What hardness does EN36 reach?
- About 58–62 HRC on the carburised surface, with a tough core.
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 9 October 2026.