Finding equivalent steel grades across different international standards is one of the most common challenges in global manufacturing. A German engineer specifies 42CrMo4. Your American supplier asks for the AISI equivalent. Your British partner wants the BS designation. And everyone needs the Werkstoff-Nr. (material number) for documentation.
This comprehensive reference guide provides verified cross-references for the most commonly used steel grades, organized by steel type. Whether you're reviewing a technical drawing, sourcing components internationally, or preparing manufacturing documentation, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of steel nomenclature.
What You'll Find in This Guide
- Complete equivalency tables for Carbon, Alloy, Stainless, and Special Steels
- Material Numbers (Werkstoff-Nr.) for every grade
- Typical applications and why each grade is used
- Important notes about equivalency limitations and substitution considerations
Important Disclaimer
These are approximate equivalents based on composition. Always verify exact specifications for critical applications, as minor differences in composition ranges, heat treatment requirements, or certification standards can affect interchangeability.
How to Use This Guide
This reference is organized by steel type. Simply navigate to the category that matches your application:
Find Your Steel Type
Carbon steels, alloy steels for machinery, stainless steels, or special steels (bearing, nitriding, tool)
Locate Your Grade
Use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to search for your specific grade designation or material number
✓ Check the Equivalents
Review the cross-referenced grades and typical applications
Verify for Your Application
For critical applications, always verify exact chemistry and mechanical properties with your supplier
Carbon Steels
Non-alloy or low-alloy steels where carbon is the primary strengthening element. Cost-effective and widely available.
Low Carbon Steels (< 0.25% C)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C10 / S235JR | 1.0038 | 1010 | 040A10 | General structural steel, weldable, good formability. Used for frames, brackets, non-critical parts |
| C15 | 1.0401 | 1015 | 040A15 | Light-duty shafts, pins, mild-duty gears. Good machinability and weldability |
| C22 | 1.0460 | 1020 / 1022 | 040A22 | General engineering parts, bolts, nuts, low-strength shafts. Balance of strength and formability |
| St37-2 / S235JRG2 | 1.0037 | A283 Gr C | 40B | Structural steel for frames, plates, channels. Most common construction steel in Europe |
Medium Carbon Steels (0.25 - 0.60% C)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C35 | 1.0501 | 1035 | 080M36 | General-purpose shafts, axles, bolts. Often used in normalized or Q&T condition |
| C45 | 1.0503 | 1045 | 080M46 | MOST COMMON: All-purpose shafts, gears, axles, connecting rods. Excellent balance of properties and cost. Heat-treatable. |
| C50 | 1.0540 | 1050 | 080M50 | Higher-strength shafts, crankshafts, gears. Better hardenability than C45 |
| C55 | 1.0535 | 1055 | 080M55 | Springs, high-strength shafts, wear-resistant parts. Good surface hardness after Q&T |
High Carbon Steels (> 0.60% C)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C60 | 1.0601 | 1060 | 080M60 | Heavy-duty springs, agricultural equipment, wear plates. Excellent hardness and wear resistance |
| C70 | 1.0603 | 1070 | 080M70 | High-carbon springs, cutting tools, chisels. Very hard after heat treatment |
| C80 | 1.0605 | 1080 | 080M80 | Specialized springs, knives, punches. Extremely hard but brittle if not tempered properly |
Alloy Steels for Machinery
These steels contain additional alloying elements (Cr, Mo, Ni) that dramatically improve hardenability, toughness, and strength—essential for critical machinery components.
Chromium-Molybdenum Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25CrMo4 | 1.7218 | 4118 | 709M40 | Light-duty gears, shafts for moderate loads. Lower cost than 42CrMo4 |
| 34Cr4 | 1.7033 | 5130 | 530A36 | Medium-load shafts, axles, spindles. Good toughness and moderate hardenability |
| 42CrMo4 | 1.7225 | 4140 | 708M40 | WORKHORSE GRADE: High-strength shafts, gears, axles, hydraulic cylinders. Excellent hardenability and toughness. Most popular machinery steel. |
| 50CrMo4 | 1.7228 | 4150 | 708M50 | Heavy-duty shafts, critical gears, large components. Superior strength to 42CrMo4 |
Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30CrNiMo8 | 1.6580 | 4340 | 817M40 | High-strength gears, shafts for extreme loads. Power transmission components |
| 34CrNiMo6 | 1.6582 | 4340 | 817M40 | PREMIUM GRADE: Aerospace, automotive crankshafts, high-performance gears. Exceptional toughness and hardenability |
| 36CrNiMo4 | 1.6511 | 4337 | 640A35 | Large shafts, heavy-duty gears, connecting rods. Excellent core strength |
| 28NiCrMo7-4 | 1.6511 | 4820 | 835M30 | Heavy machinery shafts, large gears, press components. Superior through-hardening |
Case-Hardening Steels (Carburizing Grades)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16MnCr5 | 1.7131 | 5115 | 527M17 | MOST COMMON: Gears, transmission parts, camshafts. Hard surface + tough core. Automotive industry standard |
| 17CrNiMo6 | 1.6587 | 4320 | 665M17 | High-load gears, drive shafts, transmission components. Better core strength than 16MnCr5 |
| 18CrNiMo7-6 | 1.6587 | 4820 | 640H20 | Heavy-duty gears, high-load transmission parts. Excellent for carburizing |
| 20MnCr5 | 1.7147 | 5120 | 527M20 | Gears, pins, bushings. Slightly higher strength than 16MnCr5 |
Stainless Steels
Corrosion-resistant steels containing minimum 10.5% chromium. Essential for food processing, chemical, marine, and medical applications.
Austenitic Stainless Steels (300 Series)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5CrNi18-10 | 1.4301 | 304 | 304S15 | MOST COMMON: General corrosive environments, food processing, kitchen equipment, chemical tanks. Non-magnetic, excellent formability |
| X2CrNi19-11 | 1.4306 | 304L | 304S11 | Low-carbon version of 304. Better weldability, reduced carbide precipitation. Used where welding is extensive |
| X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 1.4401 | 316 | 316S31 | MARINE/CHEMICAL GRADE: Superior corrosion resistance to 304 (molybdenum addition). Marine hardware, chemical equipment, medical implants |
| X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | 1.4404 | 316L | 316S11 | Low-carbon 316. Preferred for welded structures, pharmaceutical equipment. Best corrosion resistance |
| X6CrNiTi18-10 | 1.4541 | 321 | 321S31 | High-temperature applications up to 900°C. Exhaust systems, furnace parts. Titanium-stabilized against intergranular corrosion |
| X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | 1.4571 | 316Ti | 320S31 | High-temperature + corrosion resistance. Chemical processing, heat exchangers. Ti-stabilized 316 |
Ferritic Stainless Steels (400 Series)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X6Cr17 | 1.4016 | 430 | 430S15 | Automotive trim, kitchen sinks, architectural panels. Lower cost than 304, moderate corrosion resistance. Magnetic |
| X2CrTi17 | 1.4520 | 439 | - | Automotive exhaust systems, catalytic converters. Better high-temp resistance than 430 |
| X6CrMo17-1 | 1.4113 | 434 | - | Enhanced corrosion resistance vs. 430. Automotive trim, appliances |
Martensitic Stainless Steels (400 Series - Hardenable)
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X20Cr13 | 1.4021 | 420 | 420S37 | Cutlery, surgical instruments, valve parts. Hardenable, good corrosion resistance. Magnetic |
| X30Cr13 | 1.4028 | 420 | 420S45 | Higher carbon 420. Knives, cutting tools, pump shafts. Better hardness, slightly lower corrosion resistance |
| X50CrMoV15 | 1.4116 | 440C | - | Premium cutlery, ball bearings, valve seats. Highest hardness stainless (up to 60 HRC). Excellent wear resistance |
| X39Cr13 | 1.4031 | 420HC | - | High-carbon knife steel. Excellent edge retention, moderate corrosion resistance |
Duplex Stainless Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 | 1.4462 | 2205 | 318S13 | MOST COMMON DUPLEX: Offshore platforms, chemical processing, pulp & paper. 2x strength of 316, excellent SCC resistance |
| X2CrNiMoCuN25-6-3 | 1.4507 | - | - | Severe corrosive environments, seawater applications. Higher alloy content than 2205 |
| X2CrNiMoN25-7-4 | 1.4410 | 2507 | - | Super duplex. Extreme corrosion (sour gas, brine, chlorides). Offshore oil & gas |
Special Steels
Engineered for specific demanding applications requiring unique property combinations.
Bearing Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100Cr6 | 1.3505 | 52100 | 535A99 | BEARING STANDARD: Ball bearings, roller bearings, races. Exceptional hardness (60-65 HRC), wear resistance, and fatigue life |
| 100CrMn6 | 1.3520 | - | - | Alternative bearing steel with manganese. Similar properties to 100Cr6 |
| 100CrMo7-3 | 1.3536 | - | - | Larger bearings, heavy-duty applications. Better hardenability for thick sections |
Nitriding Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31CrMoV9 | 1.8509 | H11 | - | Hot work tool steel, dies, extrusion mandrels. Excellent high-temp strength and nitriding response. Also used as H11 equivalent |
| 34CrAlNi7-10 | 1.8519 | Nitralloy 135 | - | Crankshafts, camshafts, gear shafts requiring extreme surface hardness. Aluminum-enhanced for superior nitriding |
| 34CrAlMo5-10 | 1.8507 | Nitralloy N | - | Nitriding steel for gears, shafts, dies. Excellent surface hardness (up to 70 HRC) with tough core |
Tool Steels
| DIN/EN Name | Material No. | AISI/SAE | BS/EN | Typical Applications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X210Cr12 | 1.2080 | D3 | BD2 | Cold work dies, punches, knives. High wear resistance, dimensional stability |
| X38CrMoV5-1 | 1.2343 | H11 | BH11 | MOST COMMON HOT WORK: Die casting dies, extrusion dies, hot forging tools. Excellent thermal fatigue resistance |
| X153CrMoV12 | 1.2379 | D2 | BD2 | Precision tools, cold work dies, blanking punches. Superior wear resistance and toughness |
| X40CrMoV5-1 | 1.2344 | H13 | BH13 | Hot work dies, aluminum extrusion. Better toughness than H11, slightly lower hot hardness |
Critical Notes About Steel Equivalency
Read Before Substituting
🔬 Approximate, Not Exact
Equivalents are based on similar composition ranges. Minor differences in alloying elements (0.05% Mo, 0.10% Ni) can affect performance. Always check actual chemistry if critical.
⚙️ Heat Treatment Matters
Same grade can have vastly different properties depending on heat treatment. C45 normalized ≠ C45 Q&T. Verify heat treatment requirements match your application.
📋 Certification Standards Differ
DIN/EN might require different testing than ASTM (e.g., Charpy impact temperatures). For pressure vessels, nuclear, or aerospace, verify certification compatibility.
🔍 Size Affects Hardenability
42CrMo4 in 50mm diameter will harden differently than 200mm. Large sections may need higher-alloy equivalents to achieve target properties.
🌍 Regional Variations
Chinese GB standards, Japanese JIS, and Indian standards have their own designations. This guide focuses on Western standards (DIN/AISI/BS).
💰 Cost & Availability
Regional availability varies. 42CrMo4 is standard in Europe, 4140 in Americas. Using local equivalents can reduce costs and lead times.
Pro Tip for Critical Applications
For safety-critical parts (pressure vessels, lifting equipment, aerospace), don't rely on equivalency tables alone. Consult with a metallurgist and require mill certificates showing actual chemical composition and mechanical properties.
Quick Reference: What Grade Do I Need?
Not sure which grade to specify? Here's a quick lookup based on common applications:
| If You Need... | Use (German) | Or (American) | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| General-purpose shaft | C45 (1.0503) | 1045 | Best balance of strength, cost, machinability, and availability |
| High-strength shaft/gear | 42CrMo4 (1.7225) | 4140 | Superior hardenability and toughness. Industry workhorse |
| Extreme-load components | 34CrNiMo6 (1.6582) | 4340 | Maximum strength and impact resistance. Aerospace-grade |
| Corrosion resistance | 1.4301 | 304 | Standard austenitic stainless. Food/pharma/general corrosive |
| Marine/chemical resistance | 1.4401 | 316 | Molybdenum addition = superior pitting/crevice corrosion resistance |
| Case-hardened gears | 16MnCr5 (1.7131) | 5115 | Hard surface (wear) + tough core (shock). Automotive standard |
| Ball/roller bearings | 100Cr6 (1.3505) | 52100 | Exceptional hardness and rolling contact fatigue resistance |
| Hot work dies/tools | 31CrMoV9 (1.8509) | H11 | High-temp strength, thermal fatigue resistance, nitriding response |