20MnCr5 vs 8620
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.
20MnCr5
Alloy & Engineering Steel
20MnCr5 is the European Mn-Cr carburizing steel for larger gears and shafts, with higher core strength than 16MnCr5.
Standards: DIN 1.7147 (20MnCr5) · AISI 5120 (near) · GB 20CrMnTi family (near)
8620
Alloy & Engineering Steel
8620 is the standard carburizing (case-hardening) gear steel of the Americas: a low-carbon Ni-Cr-Mo grade that forms a hard wear-resistant case over a tough core.
Standards: DIN 1.6523 (21NiCrMo2-2) · AISI 8620 · JIS SNCM220 · GB 20CrNiMo
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 20MnCr5 | 8620 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17–0.22 | 0.18–0.23 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | 0.15–0.35 |
| Mn | 1.10–1.40 | 0.70–0.90 |
| Cr | 1.00–1.30 | 0.40–0.60 |
| Ni | — | 0.40–0.70 |
| Mo | — | 0.15–0.25 |
Properties compared
| Property | 20MnCr5 | 8620 |
|---|---|---|
| Case hardness (carburized) | 58–64 HRC | 58–63 HRC |
| Core tensile | 800–1100 MPa | 700–950 MPa |
| 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: 20MnCr5 · 8620. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.