Close Alternative — 74% match
based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.
BS 970 EN21 (BS 970:1955) and BS 970 EN33 (BS 970:1955) are both steel grades.
Both fall under the Alloy Steel category.
BS 970 EN21 is typically used for bars and billets for forging; forgings and drop-forgings; bars for machining; bright bars. suitable for 45/55 (r) and 50/60 (s) tons/sq in according to ruling section., while BS 970 EN33 is commonly used for bars and billets for forging; forgings and drop-forgings; bars for machining; bright bars. suitable for tensile strength of 45 tons/sq in min..
BS 970 EN21 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom, while BS 970 EN33 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.
As per chemical composition, BS 970 EN21 vs BS 970 EN33 is a 86% match.
As per mechanical properties, the match is 50%.
Combined, this makes them a close alternative overall at 74%.
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property
BS 970 EN21
BS 970 EN33
Tensile Strength
≥695 MPa (45 tons/sq in, converted)
≥695 MPa (45 tons/sq in, converted)
Yield Strength
≥494 MPa (32 tons/sq in, converted)
Not specified
Elongation
≥22%
≥18%
Hardness
201-255 HB
Not specified
Condition
Hardened and tempered R, ruling section 4 in (lowest-strength condition of the standard)
Core, after heat treatment (lowest-strength condition of the standard)
Typical Applications
BS 970 EN21
Bars and billets for forging; forgings and drop-forgings; bars for machining; bright bars. Suitable for 45/55 (R) and 50/60 (S) tons/sq in according to ruling section.
BS 970 EN33
Bars and billets for forging; forgings and drop-forgings; bars for machining; bright bars. Suitable for tensile strength of 45 tons/sq in min.
Can BS 970 EN21 Be Substituted With BS 970 EN33?
BS 970 EN21 and BS 970 EN33 are a close alternative rather than a direct substitute. Some properties overlap well, but check the specific chemistry and mechanical rows above against your application's requirements before treating them as interchangeable.
What is the difference between BS 970 EN21 and BS 970 EN33?
Both grades share a similar composition profile; see the specification table above for the exact chemistry and mechanical property values.
Can BS 970 EN21 be substituted with BS 970 EN33?
BS 970 EN21 and BS 970 EN33 are a close alternative rather than a direct substitute. Some properties overlap well, but check the specific chemistry and mechanical rows above against your application's requirements before treating them as interchangeable.