GCr15 vs 100Cr6
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
GCr15
Alloy & Engineering Steel
GCr15 is China’s standard bearing steel (GB/T 18254), the domestic designation of the 52100/100Cr6/SUJ2 family. Chinese mills produce it in very large tonnage for bearing rings, rolling elements and precision parts.
Standards: DIN 1.3505 (100Cr6) · AISI 52100 · JIS SUJ2 · GB GCr15 (GB/T 18254)
100Cr6
Alloy & Engineering Steel
100Cr6 is the EN designation (1.3505) of the universal 1%C–1.5%Cr bearing steel, specified under EN ISO 683-17 with defined spheroidization and cleanliness delivery conditions. It is the European name buyers meet on mill certificates for 52100-family material.
Standards: DIN 1.3505 (100Cr6) · AISI 52100 · JIS SUJ2 · GB GCr15
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | GCr15 | 100Cr6 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.95–1.05 | 0.93–1.05 |
| Si | 0.15–0.35 | 0.15–0.35 |
| Mn | 0.25–0.45 | 0.25–0.45 |
| P | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 |
| S | ≤0.025 | ≤0.015 |
| Cr | 1.40–1.65 | 1.35–1.60 |
Properties compared
| Property | GCr15 | 100Cr6 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Spheroidize annealed | Spheroidize annealed (+AC per EN ISO 683-17) |
| Hardness (hardened) | 61–65 HRC | 62–66 HRC |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: GCr15 · 100Cr6. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.