IS 11169 (Part 1):2022 38Cr2 Steel: Specifications & Listings
IS 11169 (Part 1):2022 38Cr2: Cold heading quality alloy steel 38Cr2 to IS 11169 (Part 1):2022 for quenching and tempering after cold heading or cold extrusion, supplied as wire rod, bars or wire of 2 to 100 mm. Maximum tensile strength annealed is 600 MPa. It can be ordered with hardenability requirements (H, HH or HL, CH).
Cold heading and cold extrusion of parts that are quenched and tempered; the standard covers bars, wire rods and wires of 2 to 100 mm (clause 1.1, Annex C)
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Chemical Composition (%)
C
Cr
Cu
Mn
P
S
Si
0.35-0.42
0.40-0.60
<=0.25
0.50-0.80
<=0.025
<=0.025
<=0.30
Mechanical Properties
Core Hardness (CH)
>=48 HRC up to 8 mm
Tensile Strength, annealed (+AC)
<=600 MPa (over 5 to 40 mm)
More data from IS 11169 (Part 1):2022
From the standard
Other composition limitsfrom the table notes and clauses
Values
Maximum unless a range is given (ladle analysis)
Silicon
Lower silicon contents may be agreed when ordering, with due regard to the effect on properties such as hardenability
Ordered with hardenability
Small deviations from these limits are allowed (not for sulphur and phosphorus): up to 0.01 percent for carbon and the Table 1 values for other elements
Deoxidation
Aluminium killed (clause 6.2)
Elements not listed are not added intentionally without the purchaser's agreement, except those used to finish the heat.
Source: IS 11169 (Part 1):2022, Table C.2 and its notes, clause 6.2
Tensile strength and reduction of area by delivery conditionby delivery condition and size
Delivery condition
Diameter (mm)
Tensile strength, max (MPa)
Reduction of area, min (%)
+AC or +AC+PE
over 5 to 40
600
60
+AC+C+AC
2 (incl.) to 5
590
62
+AC+C+AC
over 5 to 40
580
62
+AC+C+AC+LC
2 (incl.) to 5
630
60
+AC+C+AC+LC
over 5 to 40
620
60
Codes: +AR as hot rolled, +PE peeled, +C cold drawn, +AC annealed to spheroidized carbides, +LC skin passed. For non-circular sections the properties are agreed between manufacturer and purchaser.
Source: IS 11169 (Part 1):2022, Table C.5
Hardenability, end quench test (H)Hardness band
Hardness band (HRC, minimum to maximum) by distance from the quenched end (mm)
1.5
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Distance from quenched end (mm)
1.5
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Maximum, HRC
59
57
54
49
43
39
37
35
32
30
27
25
24
23
22
Minimum, HRC
51
46
37
29
25
22
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Applies when ordered with the symbol H; otherwise for guidance only. Jominy test as per IS 3848, austenitizing at 850 ± 5 °C.
Source: IS 11169 (Part 1):2022, Table C.9
Restricted hardenability bands, HH and HL (HRC by distance from quenched end, mm)HH and HL ordering
Band
1.5
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
HH maximum
59
57
54
49
43
39
37
35
32
30
27
25
24
23
22
HH minimum
54
50
43
36
31
28
26
24
21
-
-
-
-
-
-
HL maximum
56
53
48
42
37
33
31
29
26
24
21
-
-
-
-
HL minimum
51
46
37
29
25
22
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
HH: the upper limit matches the H band upper limit; HL: the lower limit matches the H band lower limit. Austenitizing at 850 ± 5 °C. Not applicable to steels ordered with a restricted range of carbon content.
Source: IS 11169 (Part 1):2022, Table C.11
Core hardening (CH)CH ordering
Austenitizing temperature
850 °C ± 5
Minimum core hardness, 90 percent martensite
48 HRC
Maximum diameter for 90 percent martensite in the core
8 mm
Applies when ordered with the symbol CH. The diameter is the one reached with the lowest hardenability of the grade; HH grades allow a larger diameter. A hardening time of at least 30 minutes at temperature is recommended.
Source: IS 11169 (Part 1):2022, Table C.12, clauses 8.2.4 and 8.2.6
Active IS 11169 (Part 1):2022 38Cr2 Listings on M-EX (For Sale)