| Availability: | |
|---|---|
| Quantity: | |
1055
Qilu
C55 / 1.0535 (equivalent to AISI 1055, JIS S55C, GB 55, BS 070M55) is a premium medium-high carbon structural steel compliant with EN10250-2 and EN10083-2 European standards, widely recognized for its balanced mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. With a carbon content range of 0.52–0.60%, this steel delivers exceptional tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance after normalization or quenching & tempering (Q&T) heat treatment.
Boasting moderate hardenability, excellent machinability, and predictable heat treatability, C55/1055 steel is the go-to material for high-strength components in medium-stress working conditions. It is a staple in the automotive, heavy machinery, and general engineering industries, where reliable performance and industrial adaptability are critical. Unlike low-carbon steels, its medium-high carbon content eliminates the need for expensive alloying while meeting the strength requirements of precision mechanical parts.
C55 steel has standardized equivalents across major global industrial systems, ensuring seamless material substitution and supply chain compatibility for international projects:
Country | China | Japan | Europe | USA | British |
Standard | GB/T 699 | JIS G4051 | EN10250-2 | ASTM A29 | BS 970 |
Grade | 55 | S55C | C55/1.0535 | 1055 | 070M55 |
The controlled chemistry of C55 ensures consistent mechanical properties and predictable responses to heat treatment. The values below are typical ranges for the European standard grade.
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr |
| 55 | 0.52-0.60 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | 0.035Max | 0.035Max | 0.25 |
| S55C | 0.52-0.58 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.030Max | 0.035Max | 0.20 |
| C55/1.0535 | 0.52-0.60 | 0.40Max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.045Max | 0.045Max | 0.40 |
| 1055 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.10Max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.040Max | 0.050Max | / |
| 070M55 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.40-0.40 | 0.50-0.90 | 0.050Max | 0.050Max | / |
Mechanical performance of C55 steel is highly dependent on heat treatment process and component size (section thickness/diameter). Below are the standardized properties per EN10083-2 (Q&T) and EN10083-2/ISO683-1 (normalization), with sampling conducted in accordance with EN10083-1 (12.5mm below heat-treated surface).
Q&T treatment maximizes strength and toughness, making it ideal for load-bearing components:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤8 | 800-950Mpa | 550Mpa Min | 12% Min | 30% Min | / |
16<d≤40 8<t≤20 | 750-900Mpa | 490Mpa Min | 14% Min | 35%Min | / |
| 40<d≤100 20<t≤60 | 700-850Mpa | 420Mpa Min | 15% Min | 40%Min | / |
Normalization is a cost-effective treatment for general structural components, ensuring uniform microstructure:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤16 | 680Mpa | 370Mpa Min | 11% Min | / | / |
16<d≤100 16<t≤100 | 640Mpa | 330Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / |
100<d≤250 100<t≤250 | 620Mpa | 300Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / |
Forged C55 steel maintains high strength for large components, with longitudinal (L) and transverse (Tr) performance specified for structural integrity:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||
| d≤100 | 640Mpa Min | 330Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / | / |
| 100<d≤250 | 620Mpa Min | 300Mpa Min | 12% Min | 9% Min | / | / |
| 250<d≤500 | 600Mpa Min | 260Mpa Min | 12% Min | 9% Min | / | / |
| 500<d≤1000 | 590Mpa Min | 250Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | / | / |
Remark: L= Longitudinal Tr = Transverse
C55 steel’s hardness can be tailored via targeted heat treatment to meet specific application requirements (e.g., wear resistance for friction parts, machinability for precision machining). End-quench hardenability tests (per EN standards) confirm predictable hardness distribution for complex components:
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Flame or Induction hardening | 58HRC |
Treated to improve shearability (+S) | HB255Max |
Soft annealed (+A) | HB229Max |
Quenched and tempred (+QT) | HRC28-32(Common Range) |
For components with strict hardness uniformity requirements, C55 steel can be ordered with normal (+H), low-restricted (+HL), or high-restricted (+HH) hardenability. Key hardness values at different distances from the quenched end (1-30mm) ensure consistent performance across component cross-sections (see detailed H/HL/HH hardness tables in technical datasheet).
Distance in mm from quenched end | |||||||||||||||||
Distance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | |
Hardness In HRC + H | max | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 60 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 |
min | 58 | 55 | 47 | 37 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 20 | |
Hardness In HRC + HH | +HH5 | / | / | / | / | 42-60 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / |
+HH15 | 60-65 | / | / | / | 42-60 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | |
Hardness In HRC + HL | +HL5 | / | / | / | / | 33-51 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / |
+HL15 | 58-63 | / | / | / | 33-51 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | |
Scatter bands for the Rockwell - C hardness in the end quench hardenability test.

Qilu Steel offers C55 steel in a full range of product forms, with in-stock hot rolled/forged bars (10,000+ tons monthly) for fast delivery and custom sizes for special projects. All products meet strict dimensional tolerance and straightness standards for direct processing.
Product type | Size range | Length |
Cold drawn bar | Φ3-Φ80mm | 6000-9000mm |
Hot rolled bar | Φ16-Φ310mm | 6000-9000mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ100-Φ1200mm | 3000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:3-200mm; W:1500-2500mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 80-800mm; W: 100-2500mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface finish options are available for different processing stages, with precision finishes (grinding/polishing) for high-precision components:
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
Hot Rolled Bar Stock Diameter: 16,18,20,22,24,25,26,27,28,30,31,32,33,35,36,38,39,40,42,45,46,48,50,52,55,56,58,60,62,63,65,68,70,72,75,78,80,82,83,85,87,90,95,100,105,110,115,120,125,130,135,140,145,150,155,160,170,180,190,200,210,220,230,240,250,260,270,280,290,300,310mm
Hot Forged Bar Stock Diameter: 310,320,330,340,350,360,370,380,390,400,410,420,430,440,450,460,470,480,490,500,510,520,530,540,550mm
Stock updates daily—contact our sales team for real-time availability.
C55 steel forging requires precise temperature control to avoid grain coarsening and cracking, following EN10250-2 standards:
Heat ingots to 1150-1200℃ (uniform soaking for full austenitization)
Forge at ≥800-850℃ (minimum forging temperature to maintain plasticity)
Furnace cooling after forging (to reduce residual stress and prevent thermal cracking)
All heat treatment parameters are industry-proven for C55 steel, with temperature ranges adjusted for water/oil quenching (lower end = water quenching, upper end = oil quenching) to balance hardenability and crack resistance:
Soft Annealing (+A)
Heating: 780-820℃ | Soaking: Full temperature uniformity | Cooling: Furnace cooling (≤30℃/h) to 550℃ → air cooling
Purpose: Reduce hardness for precision machining, eliminate forging residual stress
Normalization
Heating: 825-885℃ | Soaking: Uniform microstructure | Cooling: Air cooling
Purpose: Improve machinability, refine grain size for subsequent Q&T
Quenching & Tempering (+QT)
Heating: 810-850℃ | Soaking: Full austenitization | Quenching: Water/oil (per component size)
Tempering: 550-660℃ | Cooling: Air cooling
Purpose: Maximize strength-toughness balance for load-bearing components
Critical Tip: Small C55 components (8-12mm diameter) are prone to cracking during water quenching—use oil quenching or rapid water agitation to mitigate risk.
C55 steel is classified as low weldability due to its high carbon content (0.52-0.60%, > 0.25% threshold for poor weldability). Carbon causes hard martensite formation in weld zones, leading to cracking and reduced joint strength. If welding is required, strict process controls are mandatory:
Preheating: Heat base metal to 200-300℃ (reduces cooling rate, avoids martensite)
Interpass Temperature Control: Maintain 200-250℃ between weld passes (prevents cold cracking)
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Stress relief annealing at 550-600℃ (eliminates welding residual stress)
Welding Consumables: Use low-carbon, low-hydrogen electrodes (minimizes hydrogen-induced cracking)
Recommendation: Avoid welding C55 steel where possible—design components with mechanical fasteners for assembly instead.
C55 steel’s balanced strength, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness make it a versatile material for medium-stress components across key industries. Its performance is optimized for rotational, load-bearing, and friction applications after targeted heat treatment:
Shaft Components: Drive shafts, mandrels, rotating shafts (automotive/machinery) – Q&T for high tensile strength
Transmission Gears: Gear blanks, gear rings (medium-sized machinery) – Induction hardening for 58HRC surface hardness and wear resistance
Connecting Rods & Cranks: Internal combustion engines, compressors, pumps – Forged + Q&T for fatigue resistance
Machine Tool Parts: Guide rails, slide pins, friction blocks – Flame hardening for surface wear resistance
Spring Collets & Small Tools: Lathe collets, simple cutting tools – Annealing + precision machining for dimensional stability
General Engineering: Fasteners, spindles, structural pins – Normalization for cost-effective strength
A1: They are virtually the same grade but defined by different standards. AISI 1055 is the designation under the American Iron and Steel Institute system, while DIN C55 (or its European designation 1.0535) is the equivalent grade under the German/DIN and European standards. Their chemical compositions and mechanical properties are very closely matched, making them interchangeable for most applications.
A2: While C55 has a medium-high carbon content and is typically through-hardened (quenched and tempered) or surface-hardened (by flame or induction), it is not suitable for traditional case-hardening processes like carburizing. Case-hardening is intended for low-carbon steels (typically <0.2% C) to create a hard, wear-resistant case while retaining a soft, tough core. With its higher carbon content, C55 will become hard throughout if quenched, so flame or induction hardening is used to selectively harden only the surface layer.
A3: C55 steel is suitable for light-duty spring collets (with proper heat treatment) but not for high-fatigue heavy springs (use dedicated spring steels like 65Mn instead). Its medium-high carbon content provides moderate elasticity but not the long-term fatigue resistance of alloy spring steels.
A4: For soft machining (drilling/milling), use soft annealed C55 (HB229 Max) with high-speed steel (HSS) tools. For hard machining (after Q&T), use carbide tools with coolant to reduce tool wear. Avoid dry machining—high carbon content causes rapid tool overheating.
A5: Control heating/cooling rates (furnace cooling for annealing, gradual quenching for Q&T); Use oil quenching for small components (8-12mm diameter) instead of water; Perform stress relief annealing after forging/ machining to eliminate residual stress.
A6: Yes—we offer tailored heat treatment (annealing, normalization, Q&T, induction hardening) per customer specifications, with full material certification (EN 10204 3.1/3.2) for traceability.
Inquiry for Stock/Customization: Our sales team is available 24h to provide real-time stock quotes, custom size design, and technical support for C55/1055 steel applications.
C55 / 1.0535 (equivalent to AISI 1055, JIS S55C, GB 55, BS 070M55) is a premium medium-high carbon structural steel compliant with EN10250-2 and EN10083-2 European standards, widely recognized for its balanced mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. With a carbon content range of 0.52–0.60%, this steel delivers exceptional tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance after normalization or quenching & tempering (Q&T) heat treatment.
Boasting moderate hardenability, excellent machinability, and predictable heat treatability, C55/1055 steel is the go-to material for high-strength components in medium-stress working conditions. It is a staple in the automotive, heavy machinery, and general engineering industries, where reliable performance and industrial adaptability are critical. Unlike low-carbon steels, its medium-high carbon content eliminates the need for expensive alloying while meeting the strength requirements of precision mechanical parts.
C55 steel has standardized equivalents across major global industrial systems, ensuring seamless material substitution and supply chain compatibility for international projects:
Country | China | Japan | Europe | USA | British |
Standard | GB/T 699 | JIS G4051 | EN10250-2 | ASTM A29 | BS 970 |
Grade | 55 | S55C | C55/1.0535 | 1055 | 070M55 |
The controlled chemistry of C55 ensures consistent mechanical properties and predictable responses to heat treatment. The values below are typical ranges for the European standard grade.
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr |
| 55 | 0.52-0.60 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | 0.035Max | 0.035Max | 0.25 |
| S55C | 0.52-0.58 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.030Max | 0.035Max | 0.20 |
| C55/1.0535 | 0.52-0.60 | 0.40Max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.045Max | 0.045Max | 0.40 |
| 1055 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.10Max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.040Max | 0.050Max | / |
| 070M55 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.40-0.40 | 0.50-0.90 | 0.050Max | 0.050Max | / |
Mechanical performance of C55 steel is highly dependent on heat treatment process and component size (section thickness/diameter). Below are the standardized properties per EN10083-2 (Q&T) and EN10083-2/ISO683-1 (normalization), with sampling conducted in accordance with EN10083-1 (12.5mm below heat-treated surface).
Q&T treatment maximizes strength and toughness, making it ideal for load-bearing components:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤8 | 800-950Mpa | 550Mpa Min | 12% Min | 30% Min | / |
16<d≤40 8<t≤20 | 750-900Mpa | 490Mpa Min | 14% Min | 35%Min | / |
| 40<d≤100 20<t≤60 | 700-850Mpa | 420Mpa Min | 15% Min | 40%Min | / |
Normalization is a cost-effective treatment for general structural components, ensuring uniform microstructure:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Impact value At RT/J |
d≤16 t≤16 | 680Mpa | 370Mpa Min | 11% Min | / | / |
16<d≤100 16<t≤100 | 640Mpa | 330Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / |
100<d≤250 100<t≤250 | 620Mpa | 300Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / |
Forged C55 steel maintains high strength for large components, with longitudinal (L) and transverse (Tr) performance specified for structural integrity:
Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||
| d≤100 | 640Mpa Min | 330Mpa Min | 12% Min | / | / | / |
| 100<d≤250 | 620Mpa Min | 300Mpa Min | 12% Min | 9% Min | / | / |
| 250<d≤500 | 600Mpa Min | 260Mpa Min | 12% Min | 9% Min | / | / |
| 500<d≤1000 | 590Mpa Min | 250Mpa Min | 11% Min | 8% Min | / | / |
Remark: L= Longitudinal Tr = Transverse
C55 steel’s hardness can be tailored via targeted heat treatment to meet specific application requirements (e.g., wear resistance for friction parts, machinability for precision machining). End-quench hardenability tests (per EN standards) confirm predictable hardness distribution for complex components:
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Flame or Induction hardening | 58HRC |
Treated to improve shearability (+S) | HB255Max |
Soft annealed (+A) | HB229Max |
Quenched and tempred (+QT) | HRC28-32(Common Range) |
For components with strict hardness uniformity requirements, C55 steel can be ordered with normal (+H), low-restricted (+HL), or high-restricted (+HH) hardenability. Key hardness values at different distances from the quenched end (1-30mm) ensure consistent performance across component cross-sections (see detailed H/HL/HH hardness tables in technical datasheet).
Distance in mm from quenched end | |||||||||||||||||
Distance | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | |
Hardness In HRC + H | max | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 60 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 |
min | 58 | 55 | 47 | 37 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 20 | |
Hardness In HRC + HH | +HH5 | / | / | / | / | 42-60 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / |
+HH15 | 60-65 | / | / | / | 42-60 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | |
Hardness In HRC + HL | +HL5 | / | / | / | / | 33-51 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / |
+HL15 | 58-63 | / | / | / | 33-51 | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | / | |
Scatter bands for the Rockwell - C hardness in the end quench hardenability test.

Qilu Steel offers C55 steel in a full range of product forms, with in-stock hot rolled/forged bars (10,000+ tons monthly) for fast delivery and custom sizes for special projects. All products meet strict dimensional tolerance and straightness standards for direct processing.
Product type | Size range | Length |
Cold drawn bar | Φ3-Φ80mm | 6000-9000mm |
Hot rolled bar | Φ16-Φ310mm | 6000-9000mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ100-Φ1200mm | 3000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:3-200mm; W:1500-2500mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 80-800mm; W: 100-2500mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface finish options are available for different processing stages, with precision finishes (grinding/polishing) for high-precision components:
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
Hot Rolled Bar Stock Diameter: 16,18,20,22,24,25,26,27,28,30,31,32,33,35,36,38,39,40,42,45,46,48,50,52,55,56,58,60,62,63,65,68,70,72,75,78,80,82,83,85,87,90,95,100,105,110,115,120,125,130,135,140,145,150,155,160,170,180,190,200,210,220,230,240,250,260,270,280,290,300,310mm
Hot Forged Bar Stock Diameter: 310,320,330,340,350,360,370,380,390,400,410,420,430,440,450,460,470,480,490,500,510,520,530,540,550mm
Stock updates daily—contact our sales team for real-time availability.
C55 steel forging requires precise temperature control to avoid grain coarsening and cracking, following EN10250-2 standards:
Heat ingots to 1150-1200℃ (uniform soaking for full austenitization)
Forge at ≥800-850℃ (minimum forging temperature to maintain plasticity)
Furnace cooling after forging (to reduce residual stress and prevent thermal cracking)
All heat treatment parameters are industry-proven for C55 steel, with temperature ranges adjusted for water/oil quenching (lower end = water quenching, upper end = oil quenching) to balance hardenability and crack resistance:
Soft Annealing (+A)
Heating: 780-820℃ | Soaking: Full temperature uniformity | Cooling: Furnace cooling (≤30℃/h) to 550℃ → air cooling
Purpose: Reduce hardness for precision machining, eliminate forging residual stress
Normalization
Heating: 825-885℃ | Soaking: Uniform microstructure | Cooling: Air cooling
Purpose: Improve machinability, refine grain size for subsequent Q&T
Quenching & Tempering (+QT)
Heating: 810-850℃ | Soaking: Full austenitization | Quenching: Water/oil (per component size)
Tempering: 550-660℃ | Cooling: Air cooling
Purpose: Maximize strength-toughness balance for load-bearing components
Critical Tip: Small C55 components (8-12mm diameter) are prone to cracking during water quenching—use oil quenching or rapid water agitation to mitigate risk.
C55 steel is classified as low weldability due to its high carbon content (0.52-0.60%, > 0.25% threshold for poor weldability). Carbon causes hard martensite formation in weld zones, leading to cracking and reduced joint strength. If welding is required, strict process controls are mandatory:
Preheating: Heat base metal to 200-300℃ (reduces cooling rate, avoids martensite)
Interpass Temperature Control: Maintain 200-250℃ between weld passes (prevents cold cracking)
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Stress relief annealing at 550-600℃ (eliminates welding residual stress)
Welding Consumables: Use low-carbon, low-hydrogen electrodes (minimizes hydrogen-induced cracking)
Recommendation: Avoid welding C55 steel where possible—design components with mechanical fasteners for assembly instead.
C55 steel’s balanced strength, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness make it a versatile material for medium-stress components across key industries. Its performance is optimized for rotational, load-bearing, and friction applications after targeted heat treatment:
Shaft Components: Drive shafts, mandrels, rotating shafts (automotive/machinery) – Q&T for high tensile strength
Transmission Gears: Gear blanks, gear rings (medium-sized machinery) – Induction hardening for 58HRC surface hardness and wear resistance
Connecting Rods & Cranks: Internal combustion engines, compressors, pumps – Forged + Q&T for fatigue resistance
Machine Tool Parts: Guide rails, slide pins, friction blocks – Flame hardening for surface wear resistance
Spring Collets & Small Tools: Lathe collets, simple cutting tools – Annealing + precision machining for dimensional stability
General Engineering: Fasteners, spindles, structural pins – Normalization for cost-effective strength
A1: They are virtually the same grade but defined by different standards. AISI 1055 is the designation under the American Iron and Steel Institute system, while DIN C55 (or its European designation 1.0535) is the equivalent grade under the German/DIN and European standards. Their chemical compositions and mechanical properties are very closely matched, making them interchangeable for most applications.
A2: While C55 has a medium-high carbon content and is typically through-hardened (quenched and tempered) or surface-hardened (by flame or induction), it is not suitable for traditional case-hardening processes like carburizing. Case-hardening is intended for low-carbon steels (typically <0.2% C) to create a hard, wear-resistant case while retaining a soft, tough core. With its higher carbon content, C55 will become hard throughout if quenched, so flame or induction hardening is used to selectively harden only the surface layer.
A3: C55 steel is suitable for light-duty spring collets (with proper heat treatment) but not for high-fatigue heavy springs (use dedicated spring steels like 65Mn instead). Its medium-high carbon content provides moderate elasticity but not the long-term fatigue resistance of alloy spring steels.
A4: For soft machining (drilling/milling), use soft annealed C55 (HB229 Max) with high-speed steel (HSS) tools. For hard machining (after Q&T), use carbide tools with coolant to reduce tool wear. Avoid dry machining—high carbon content causes rapid tool overheating.
A5: Control heating/cooling rates (furnace cooling for annealing, gradual quenching for Q&T); Use oil quenching for small components (8-12mm diameter) instead of water; Perform stress relief annealing after forging/ machining to eliminate residual stress.
A6: Yes—we offer tailored heat treatment (annealing, normalization, Q&T, induction hardening) per customer specifications, with full material certification (EN 10204 3.1/3.2) for traceability.
Inquiry for Stock/Customization: Our sales team is available 24h to provide real-time stock quotes, custom size design, and technical support for C55/1055 steel applications.