C45 / C45E

C45/C45E is a widely used carbon steel known for its excellent mechanical properties.

C45/C45E typically contains about 0.42 to 0.50% carbon by weight. Although carbon is the primary alloying element in C45/C45E, it may contain small amounts of other elements such as manganese, silicon and trace amounts of other alloying elements to achieve specific properties.

The steel exhibits good strength properties with a tensile strength typically in the range of 580 to 700 megapascals (MPa), depending on factors such as heat treatment, alloying elements and dimension. Depending on the desired properties, C45/C45E can undergo heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering, flame or induction hardening to increase hardness and strength. Annealing can also be used to improve machinability.

C45/C45E is known for its good machinability. It can be easily machined, turned, milled and drilled, making it suitable for various machining and manufacturing processes.

Due to the high carbon content, C45/C45E is not considered weldable as cracks and brittleness easily occur in the heat-affected zones. In the event of welding, preheating and heat treatment after welding should therefore be used. Welding processes should be carefully controlled when working in this material.

C45/C45E is often used for the manufacture of shafts, gears and other mechanical components that require a combination of strength, toughness and wear resistance. It is also suitable for manufacturing various types of fasteners, including bolts, nuts and studs.