16MnCr5 vs 20MnCr5
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.
16MnCr5
Alloy & Engineering Steel
16MnCr5 is the most common European case-hardening steel for small-to-medium gears — the EN counterpart of the 8620 concept with Mn-Cr instead of Ni-Mo.
Standards: DIN 1.7131 (16MnCr5) · AISI 5115 (near) · GB 16CrMnH (near)
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)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 16MnCr5 | 20MnCr5 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.14–0.19 | 0.17–0.22 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Mn | 1.00–1.30 | 1.10–1.40 |
| Cr | 0.80–1.10 | 1.00–1.30 |
Properties compared
| Property | 16MnCr5 | 20MnCr5 |
|---|---|---|
| Case hardness (carburized) | 58–64 HRC | 58–64 HRC |
| Core tensile | 650–950 MPa | 800–1100 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: 16MnCr5 · 20MnCr5. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.