C60 / C60E

C60/C60E is a high carbon steel with excellent hardness, strength and wear resistance.The steel contains approximately 0.57 % to 0.65 % of carbon. In addition to carbon, C60/C60E may contain small amounts of alloying elements such as manganese, silicon and trace elements to improve specific properties or simplify manufacture.The high carbon content gives the material its hardness and strength. C60 has a high tensile strength, usually in the range of 670 to 850 megapascals (MPa). With appropriate heat treatment, C60 can achieve a hardness ranging from about 170 to 250 Brinell hardness (HB). Proper heat treatment is essential to optimise the properties of C60/C60E. Processes such as case hardening can be used to achieve the desired hardness and toughness.C60/C60E has a moderate machinability. It can be machined, turned and drilled using appropriate tools and techniques but compared to lower carbon steels, more accurate machining processes may be required.C60/C60E is not classed as weldable. If welding needs to be carried out, it should be done with care. High carbon steels such as C60/C60E are very susceptible to cracking during welding. Preheating, post-weld heat treatment and careful control of the welding process is often necessary to avoid problems in the heat affected zones.Often used for shafts, gears, knives and machine parts etc. where the combination of high strength, wear resistance and toughness is important.