55Cr3 vs 5160
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.
55Cr3
Alloy & Engineering Steel
55Cr3 is the EN chromium spring steel (1.7176) for hot-rolled spring bar and flat products. It occupies the same niche as SAE 5155/5160 in European spring making, with tighter phosphorus and sulfur limits.
Standards: DIN 1.7176 (55Cr3) · AISI 5155 (near) · JIS SUP9 family (near) · GB 55CrMnA (near)
5160
Alloy & Engineering Steel
5160 is the classic chromium spring steel of the Americas, standard for vehicle leaf springs and agricultural blades. Its 0.60% carbon with chromium gives deep hardening, high fatigue strength and forgiving heat treatment.
Standards: DIN 1.7102 (54SiCr6 is Si-type; 5160 is Cr-type, near) · AISI 5160 · JIS SUP9 (near) · GB 60CrMnA (near)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 55Cr3 | 5160 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.52–0.59 | 0.56–0.61 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | 0.15–0.35 |
| Mn | 0.70–1.00 | 0.75–1.00 |
| P | ≤0.025 | ≤0.035 |
| S | ≤0.025 | ≤0.040 |
| Cr | 0.70–1.00 | 0.70–0.90 |
Properties compared
| Property | 55Cr3 | 5160 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (spring temper) | 40–48 HRC typical | 38–48 HRC typical |
| Tensile strength | 1200–1500 MPa (Q&T spring temper, typ.) | 1200–1500 MPa (Q&T spring temper, typ.) |
| 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: 55Cr3 · 5160. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.