5160 vs 6150
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.
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)
6150
Alloy & Engineering Steel
6150 is a Cr-V spring steel: the vanadium refines grain and lifts fatigue strength, making it the premium choice for highly stressed springs, torsion bars and gears. EN 51CrV4 (1.8159) and GB 50CrVA are the same grade family.
Standards: DIN 1.8159 (51CrV4) · AISI 6150 · JIS SUP10 · GB 50CrVA
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 5160 | 6150 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.56–0.61 | 0.48–0.53 |
| Si | 0.15–0.35 | 0.15–0.35 |
| Mn | 0.75–1.00 | 0.70–0.90 |
| P | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 |
| S | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 |
| Cr | 0.70–0.90 | 0.80–1.10 |
| V | — | ≥0.15 |
Properties compared
| Property | 5160 | 6150 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (spring temper) | 38–48 HRC typical | — |
| Tensile strength | 1200–1500 MPa (Q&T spring temper, typ.) | 1100–1350 MPa (Q&T, typ.) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Q&T) | — | 34–46 HRC typical |
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: 5160 · 6150. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.