In workshops, mills and field jobs around the world, material choice shapes performance and longevity—whether you’re building bearings, pipelines, or heavy machinery. A clear, compact list helps you match metallurgy to application without digging through scattered datasheets.
There are 65 Steel Alloys, ranging from 100Cr6 to X65. For each entry, data are shown as Main composition,Typical properties (MPa, HRC),Standards/equivalents — you’ll find below.
How should I prioritize properties when choosing an alloy for strength or wear resistance?
Look first at the Typical properties column (tensile strength in MPa and hardness in HRC) to set targets, then check Main composition for alloying elements that provide toughness or wear resistance (e.g., chromium, carbon, vanadium). Use the Standards/equivalents column to confirm availability and interchangeability, and consider required heat treatment and service environment before final selection.
What does each column tell me and how can I use that information quickly?
Main composition highlights key alloying elements that control behavior; Typical properties give measurable performance metrics for design comparisons; Standards/equivalents link grades to common specifications so you can source or substitute reliably. Together they let you filter candidates by chemistry, performance, and supply compatibility.
Steel Alloys
| Name | Main composition | Typical properties (MPa, HRC) | Standards/equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
| A36 | Fe, C ≤0.26%, Mn 0.8–1.2% | Tensile 400–550 MPa, HRC 10–15 | ASTM A36; EN S275 approximate |
| 1018 | Fe, C 0.15–0.20%, Mn 0.6–0.9% | Tensile 440–620 MPa, HRC 10–18 | SAE/AISI 1018; EN C20–C22 equivalents |
| 1045 | Fe, C 0.43–0.50%, Mn 0.6–0.9% | Tensile 570–850 MPa, HRC 20–30 (heat treated) | SAE/AISI 1045; EN C45 |
| S355 | Fe, C ≤0.22%, Mn ≤1.6% (others trace) | Tensile 470–630 MPa, HRC 12–16 | EN S355JR; ASTM A572 Gr50 similar |
| A572-50 | Fe, C ≤0.23%, Mn 1.0–1.6% | Tensile 400–550 MPa, HRC 12–16 | ASTM A572 Grade 50; EN S355 comparable |
| 4140 | Fe, C 0.38–0.43%, Cr 0.8–1.1%, Mo 0.15–0.25% | Tensile 655–1,270 MPa, HRC 20–55 | SAE/AISI 4140; EN 42CrMo4 equivalent |
| 4340 | Fe, C 0.38–0.43%, Ni 1.6–2.0%, Cr 0.7–0.9%, Mo 0.2–0.3% | Tensile 850–1,450 MPa, HRC 28–52 | SAE/AISI 4340; EN 34CrNiMo6 analog |
| 300M | Fe, C 0.25–0.35%, Si ~0.3%, Mn 0.6–0.9%, Cr 0.8–1.2% | Tensile 1,400–1,800 MPa, HRC 36–44 | SAE AMS 6508; modified 4340 |
| 8620 | Fe, C 0.18–0.23%, Ni 0.4–0.7%, Cr 0.4–0.7%, Mo 0.15–0.25% | Core tensile 750–1,050 MPa, surface HRC 58–62 (carburized) | SAE 8620; EN 16MnCr5 comparable |
| 52100 | Fe, C 0.98–1.10%, Cr 1.30–1.60% | Tensile 1,600–2,000 MPa, HRC 60–66 | SAE 52100; EN 100Cr6 equivalent |
| 5160 | Fe, C 0.56–0.64%, Cr 0.7–1.0% | Tensile 900–1,400 MPa, HRC 40–55 | SAE 5160; EN 51CrV4 analog |
| 1095 | Fe, C 0.90–1.03% | Tensile 1,200–1,800 MPa (quenched), HRC 50–64 | SAE 1095; JIS SK95 comparable |
| 1075 | Fe, C 0.72–0.80% | Tensile 1,000–1,600 MPa, HRC 48–60 | SAE 1075; JIS SK75 analog |
| 17-4PH | Fe, Cr 15–17.5%, Ni 3–5%, Cu 3–5%, Nb 0.15–0.45% | Tensile 930–1,300 MPa, HRC 28–44 | ASTM A564; UNS S17400 |
| 304 | Fe, Cr 18–20%, Ni 8–10.5%, C ≤0.08% | Tensile 520–750 MPa, HRC ~18–22 | ASTM A240; UNS S30400; JIS SUS304 |
| 316 | Fe, Cr 16–18%, Ni 10–14%, Mo 2–3% | Tensile 520–700 MPa, HRC ~18–22 | ASTM A240; UNS S31600; JIS SUS316 |
| 316L | Fe, Cr 16–18%, Ni 10–14%, Mo 2–3%, C ≤0.03% | Tensile 480–690 MPa, HRC ~16–20 | ASTM A240; UNS S31603 |
| 301 | Fe, Cr 17–19%, Ni 6–8% | Tensile 620–1,200 MPa (cold‑worked), HRC 20–28 | ASTM A240; UNS S30100 |
| 303 | Fe, Cr 17–19%, Ni 8–10%, S additions | Tensile 520–620 MPa, HRC ~20 | ASTM A240; UNS S30300 |
| 2205 | Fe, Cr 22% approx, Ni 4–6%, Mo 3% | Tensile 620–900 MPa, HRC 28–36 | EN 1.4462; ASTM F51; UNS S32205 |
| 410 | Fe, Cr 11–13%, C ≤0.15% | Tensile 480–760 MPa, HRC 20–50 (hardened) | ASTM A240; UNS S41000 |
| 420 | Fe, Cr 12–14%, C 0.15–1.2% | Tensile 585–1,400 MPa, HRC 48–60 (heat treated) | ASTM A240; UNS S42000 |
| 430 | Fe, Cr 16–18%, low Ni | Tensile 450–600 MPa, HRC 16–24 | ASTM A240; UNS S43000 |
| H13 | Fe, C 0.32–0.45%, Cr 4.75–5.5%, Mo ~1.1%, V ~1% | Tensile 1,000–1,400 MPa, HRC 38–52 | ASTM A681 H13; DIN X40CrMoV5‑1 |
| D2 | Fe, C 1.40–1.60%, Cr 11–13%, V & Mo small | Tensile 1,200–1,800 MPa, HRC 55–62 | AISI D2; ASTM A681 equivalent |
| O1 | Fe, C 0.90–1.10%, Cr 0.5–1.0% | Tensile 900–1,250 MPa, HRC 58–62 | AISI O1; ASTM A681 O1 |
| A2 | Fe, C 0.95–1.05%, Cr 4.75–5.5%, V 0.9–1.3% | Tensile 1,100–1,600 MPa, HRC 56–62 | AISI A2; ASTM A681 A2 |
| S7 | Fe, C 0.45–0.55%, Cr 3.0–3.5%, Mo 0.3–0.6% | Tensile 1,100–1,600 MPa, HRC 50–58 | AISI S7; DIN 1.2363 analog |
| M2 | Fe, C 0.85–0.95%, W ~6.0%, Mo ~5.0%, V ~2.0% | Tensile high; HRC 62–66 (hardened) | AISI M2; ASTM F128 |
| M42 | Fe, C ~1.0%, Mo 9%, W 1.3%, V 2.1%, Co 8–10% | HRC 64–67 (hardened), excellent hot hardness | AISI M42; ASTM F106 |
| Maraging 300 | Fe, Ni ~18%, Co ~8–10%, Mo, Ti additions | Tensile 1,900–2,200 MPa, HRC 42–52 | UNS K30030; ASTM A687 |
| Maraging 250 | Fe, Ni ~18%, Co ~8%, lower strength vs 300 | Tensile 1,400–1,700 MPa, HRC 38–48 | UNS K25030; AMS standards exist |
| Corten A | Fe, C 0.10–0.25%, Cu, Cr, Ni trace | Tensile 460–620 MPa, HRC 12–18 | ASTM A242; A588 similar |
| Corten B | Fe, C ~0.12–0.20%, Cu & Cr additions | Tensile 460–600 MPa, HRC 12–18 | UNS G10180; EN counterparts |
| A516-70 | Fe, C ≤0.30%, Mn ≤1.65% | Tensile 485–620 MPa, HRC 12–18 | ASTM A516 Grade 70 (pressure vessel) |
| X65 | Fe, C low, Mn & microalloys | Tensile 620–760 MPa, HRC 18–24 | API 5L X65; pipeline standard |
| X52 | Fe, low C, Mn & microalloys | Tensile 480–620 MPa, HRC 14–20 | API 5L X52; pipeline standard |
| EN8 | Fe, C 0.35–0.45% | Tensile 540–720 MPa, HRC 18–28 | BS EN8; roughly SAE 1045 analog |
| 12L14 | Fe, C ~0.12%, Pb additions for machinability, Mn | Tensile 400–550 MPa, HRC 10–18 | SAE 12L14; ASTM specifications exist |
| 1215 | Fe, C 0.12–0.18%, S additions | Tensile 380–520 MPa, HRC 8–16 | SAE 1215; JIS SUJ1 equivalents |
| P91 | Fe, C 0.08–0.12%, Cr ~9%, Mo ~1%, V, Nb | Tensile 600–800 MPa, HRC 20–28 | ASTM A335 P91; EN 1.4903 |
| S235JR | Fe, C ≤0.17%, Mn ≤1.4% | Tensile 360–510 MPa, HRC 10–14 | EN S235JR; ASTM A36 similar |
| S690QL | Fe, C ≤0.23%, microalloyed | Tensile ~690 MPa, yield 690 MPa, HRC 18–24 | EN S690QL high‑strength steel |
| 100Cr6 | Fe, C 0.95–1.05%, Cr 1.35–1.65% | Tensile 1,500–1,900 MPa, HRC 60–66 | EN 100Cr6; SAE 52100 equivalent |
| EN24 (4340 analog) | Fe, C 0.36–0.44%, Ni 1.4–1.8%, Cr, Mo | Tensile 850–1,400 MPa, HRC 28–52 | EN24; SAE 4340 similar |
| 15CDV6 | Fe, C ~0.15%, Cr ~2%, V ~0.2%, Ni | Tensile 900–1,200 MPa, HRC 30–40 | MIL‑SPEC 15CDV6; EN equivalents exist |
| 52100 (alt) | Fe, C 0.98–1.10%, Cr 1.30–1.60% | Tensile 1,600–2,000 MPa, HRC 60–66 | SAE 52100; EN 100Cr6 |
| 17-7PH | Fe, Cr 16–18%, Ni 7–8%, Al & Ti additions | Tensile 850–1,150 MPa, HRC 30–44 | AMS 5659; UNS S17700 |
| EN31 | Fe, C 1.00–1.10%, Cr ~0.3% | Tensile 1,200–1,600 MPa, HRC 58–64 | BS EN31; AISI 52100 similar |
| SANDVIK 12C27 (knife steel) | Fe, C 0.60–0.70%, Cr 12–14% | Tensile 900–1,400 MPa, HRC 56–62 | EN Swedish knife steels analog |
| 420HC | Fe, Cr 12–14%, C ~0.35–0.45% | Tensile 800–1,200 MPa, HRC 54–58 | Proprietary variant of 420 series common in cutlery |
| S355J2G3 | Fe, low C, Mn ≤1.6% | Tensile 470–630 MPa, HRC 12–16 | EN S355J2G3; structural standard |
| SAE 8620 (alt) | Fe, C 0.18–0.23%, Ni, Cr, Mo traces | Case hardness HRC 58–62, core toughness | SAE 8620; AMS standards used |
| AISI 52100 (dup) | Fe, C 0.98–1.10%, Cr 1.30–1.60% | Tensile 1,600–2,000 MPa, HRC 60–66 | AISI 52100; EN 100Cr6 |
| EN9 | Fe, C 0.70–0.80% | Tensile 800–1,200 MPa, HRC 45–60 | BS EN9; SAE 1075 similar |
| 718M40 (aircraft steels) | Fe, Cr, Mo, Ni in controlled amounts | Tensile 1,200–1,600 MPa, HRC 30–44 | Aerospace specification steels (varies) |
| 12Cr1MoV (P22 analog) | Fe, C ~0.05–0.12%, Cr 1%, Mo 0.5%, V trace | Tensile 450–650 MPa, HRC 18–26 | EN 12Cr1MoV; ASTM P22 analog |
| 4340 (alt) | Fe, C 0.38–0.43%, Ni 1.6–2.0%, Cr, Mo | Tensile 850–1,450 MPa, HRC 28–52 | SAE 4340; EN 34CrNiMo6 |
| EN 45 (CrS? wheel steels) | Fe, Cr, C medium | Tensile 600–900 MPa, HRC 20–40 | Various EN wheel steels standards |
| Tool Steel H10/H11 | Fe, C 0.35–0.45%, Cr 2–3%, Mo, V | Tensile 900–1,300 MPa, HRC 44–55 | AISI H10/H11; ASTM variants |
| EN 1.2343 (H11 analog) | Fe, C 0.36–0.44%, Cr 4%, Mo 1% | Tensile 900–1,300 MPa, HRC 45–55 | DIN 1.2343; AISI H11 equivalent |
| SAE 8620 (entry repeated?) | Fe, C 0.18–0.23%, Ni, Cr, Mo | Case hardness HRC 58–62, core toughness | SAE 8620; AMS standards |
| EN41B | Fe, C 0.90–1.10%, Cr 0.3% | Tensile 1,000–1,600 MPa, HRC 58–64 | BS EN41B; bearing/tool analog |
| EN19 (4340 analog) | Fe, C 0.36–0.44%, Ni, Cr, Mo | Tensile 850–1,350 MPa, HRC 28–52 | EN19; SAE 4340 similar |
| AISI 4140 (alt) | Fe, C 0.38–0.43%, Cr, Mo | Tensile 655–1,270 MPa, HRC 20–55 | AISI 4140; EN 42CrMo4 |
Images and Descriptions
A36
General structural carbon steel with good weldability and machinability. Used for beams, plates, and general construction where moderate strength and low cost are primary needs.
1018
Low‑carbon mild steel used for shafts, studs, and cold‑formed parts. Offers good machinability and can be case‑hardened or normalized for improved strength.
1045
Medium‑carbon steel commonly used for gears, axles, and shafts. Responds well to heat treatment for higher strength and wear resistance.
S355
European structural steel with a guaranteed yield of 355 MPa. Used in welded structures, cranes, and heavy fabrications requiring higher strength than A36.
A572-50
High‑strength low‑alloy structural steel for bridges, buildings, and plates where weight reduction and weldability are important.
4140
Chromium‑molybdenum alloy steel with good toughness and fatigue resistance. Widely used for shafts, gears, and hardened tooling.
4340
Nickel‑chromium‑molybdenum alloy offering high toughness and strength after quench and temper. Used in aircraft landing gear, fasteners, and heavy shafts.
300M
Vacuum‑treated alloy steel used in aerospace for landing gear and critical components. High strength and fracture toughness with controlled composition.
8620
Low‑alloy case‑hardening steel intended for carburizing. Produces tough cores and hard wear‑resistant surfaces for gears and shafts.
52100
High‑carbon chromium bearing steel, hardened to high hardness and excellent rolling contact fatigue resistance. Used for bearings, races, and precision rollers.
5160
Chromium spring steel with good toughness and fatigue resistance. Common for leaf springs, large coil springs, and some knife blades.
1095
High‑carbon tool/spring steel that attains high hardness and edge retention after quench and temper. Often used in knives, springs, and cutting tools.
1075
Medium‑high carbon spring steel with a balance of toughness and hardness. Used for coil springs, blades, and tempering applications.
17-4PH
Precipitation‑hardening stainless steel combining corrosion resistance and high strength. Used in aerospace, oil & gas, and tooling requiring toughness and corrosion resistance.
304
Common austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. Used for kitchenware, tanks, and general corrosion‑resistant components.
316
Austenitic stainless with molybdenum for improved pitting resistance. Preferred in chemical, marine, and medical equipment.
316L
Low‑carbon 316 variant to avoid sensitization during welding. Used in welded structures, piping, and biomedical implants.
301
Austenitic stainless that work‑hardens strongly; used for spring strips, fasteners, and applications that exploit its high strength after cold forming.
303
Free‑machining austenitic stainless with sulfur for improved machinability. Common for turned components and fasteners where corrosion resistance and machining are needed.
2205
Duplex stainless steel with mixed austenitic‑ferritic microstructure offering high strength and superior chloride stress‑corrosion resistance; used in chemical processing and seawater services.
410
Martensitic stainless steel that can be hardened for moderate strength and wear resistance. Used for cutlery, valves, and pump shafts.
420
High‑carbon martensitic stainless used where sharp edges and polishability matter (cutlery, surgical instruments). Achieves high hardness after heat treatment.
430
Ferritic stainless steel with good formability and moderate corrosion resistance. Common in domestic appliances and trim where nickel avoidance is beneficial.
H13
Hot‑work tool steel with excellent thermal fatigue and toughness. Widely used for die casting dies, extrusion tooling, and hot forging punches.
D2
Cold‑work, high‑carbon, high‑chromium tool steel offering excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability. Used for dies, shear blades and forming tools.
O1
Oil‑hardening tool steel with good toughness and ease of heat treatment. Common for general purpose cutting and tooling applications.
A2
Air‑hardening tool steel combining good wear resistance and toughness with easier heat treatment. Used for punches, dies, and gauges.
S7
Shock‑resisting tool steel engineered for high impact toughness. Ideal for shock tools like hammers, chisels, and punches.
M2
High‑speed tool steel offering high hot hardness and wear resistance for cutting tools, drills, and taps operating at elevated temperatures.
M42
Cobalt‑alloyed high‑speed steel with superior red hardness. Used for long‑life cutting tools and high‑temperature tooling.
Maraging 300
Precipitation‑hardened steel offering exceptional strength with good toughness and low carbon. Used in aerospace, tooling, and high‑performance shafts.
Maraging 250
Lower‑strength maraging alloy used where high toughness and moderate strength are required, often in tooling and missile components.
Corten A
Weathering steel that forms a protective rust patina, reducing need for painting. Common in bridges, architectural facades, and outdoor sculptures.
Corten B
Alternate weathering steel grade with similar protective patina formation, used in structural and decorative outdoor applications.
A516-70
Low‑alloy carbon steel for welded pressure vessels and boilers. Good notch toughness and weldability at moderate temperatures.
X65
High‑strength pipeline steel used for oil and gas transmission. Balances yield strength, weldability, and toughness for long pipelines.
X52
Common pipeline grade offering good toughness and weldability for medium‑pressure gas and oil transmission lines.
EN8
General engineering medium‑carbon steel used for shafts, studs, and machined parts. Offers a balance of strength and machinability.
12L14
Leaded free‑machining steel optimized for turning and screw production. Good surface finish and high productivity in machining.
1215
Free‑cutting carbon steel with sulfur for improved machinability. Used for fasteners and small turned components.
P91
Ferritic martensitic heat‑resistant steel for power plant boilers and piping at high temperatures. Offers creep strength and oxidation resistance.
S235JR
Common low‑carbon structural steel with good weldability and ductility. Used in light structural applications and welded constructions.
S690QL
Ultra high‑strength structural steel used where very high yield strength and good toughness are required, such as heavy machinery and cranes.
100Cr6
European bearing steel equivalent to 52100. Hardened and ground for precision bearings and rolling elements.
EN24 (4340 analog)
Through‑hardened alloy steel used for high‑stress components like gears and shafts requiring fatigue resistance and toughness.
15CDV6
Airframe quality, low‑alloy steel with good strength, toughness and weldability used in aerospace landing gear and critical structural parts.
52100 (alt)
High‑carbon chromium bearing steel known for excellent hardness and fatigue life after heat treatment. Used in bearings and precision rollers.
17-7PH
Precipitation‑hardening stainless used for springs and aerospace components where corrosion resistance and moderate high strength are needed.
EN31
High‑carbon chromium alloy often used for bearings, shafts and precision components that require high hardness and wear resistance.
SANDVIK 12C27 (knife steel)
High carbon stainless grade optimized for knives and cutlery; balances corrosion resistance with good edge retention and toughness.
420HC
Higher carbon version of 420 stainless offering improved hardenability and edge holding for knives and surgical instruments.
S355J2G3
Structural steel with enhanced impact toughness at lower temperatures. Used in bridges, offshore platforms, and heavy construction.
SAE 8620 (alt)
Versatile carburizing steel widely used for gears, pinions and hollow shafts needing hard wearing surfaces and tough cores.
AISI 52100 (dup)
See 52100: preferred bearing steel for high contact fatigue resistance and hardness after quench and temper.
EN9
Medium‑carbon engineering steel used for axles, shafts, and gears; responds well to heat treatment for improved strength and wear resistance.
718M40 (aircraft steels)
High‑strength, airframe steels produced to tight specs for landing gear and critical structural elements where fracture toughness and controlled composition are needed.
12Cr1MoV (P22 analog)
Pressure‑vessel and steam‑pipe steel with improved creep and high‑temperature strength. Used in power plants and boilers.
4340 (alt)
High‑strength, tough alloy used in aerospace and automotive components requiring fatigue resistance and high fracture toughness.
EN 45 (CrS? wheel steels)
Used historically for railway wheels and axles; medium‑carbon steels with good toughness and ability to be surface hardened.
Tool Steel H10/H11
Hot‑work tool steels used for forging dies and die casting tooling. Good thermal fatigue resistance and toughness.
EN 1.2343 (H11 analog)
Hot‑work tool steel often specified for tooling where thermal shock resistance and strength are required.
SAE 8620 (entry repeated?)
Case‑hardening steel for gears and shafts; widely used where a ductile core and hard wear surface are needed.
EN41B
High‑carbon steel used historically in bearings and tooling; maintains high hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment.
EN19 (4340 analog)
Through‑hardened alloy for high‑stress shafts and gears with good fatigue and fracture toughness.
AISI 4140 (alt)
Versatile low‑alloy steel for automotive, oilfield and general engineering applications requiring strength and toughness after heat treatment.
