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AISI 1055 C55 1.0535 S55C 070M55 Carbon Steel

Grade: AISI 1055
Equivalent Steel: GB 55#, JIS S55C, EN C55/1.0535, BS 070M55
 
AISI 1055 is a high-carbon steel defined by its specific chemical composition, which includes a carbon content of 0.50–0.60% to ensure high strength and hardness, manganese (0.60–0.90%) as a key strengthening and deoxidizing element, and restricted residuals such as phosphorus( ≤ 0.040%) and sulfur ( ≤ 0.050%) to maintain material purity and consistency.
Availability:
Quantity:
  • 1055

  • Qilu


Product Overview


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.


International Grade Equivalents

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


Product Features


Chemical Composition

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 Properties

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).


1. Quenching & Tempering (Q&T) Properties (EN10083-2)

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

/


2. Normalized Properties (EN10083-2 / ISO683-1)

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

/

/


3. Open Die Forging Properties (EN10250-2, Normalized/Normalized+Tempered)

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


Surface Hardness & Hardenability

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:


Standard Hardness After Heat Treatment


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)


End-Quench Hardenability (H/HL/HH Grades, HRC)

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.


C55 steel


Supply Sizes, Tolerances & Stock

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.


1. Standard Supply Sizes


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


2. Dimensional Tolerance & Surface Finish

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.


3. In-Stock Sizes (Hot Rolled/Forged Bars)

  • 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.


Processing Guidelines


1. Forging Process

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)


2. Heat Treatment Process

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.


Weldability

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.


Applications

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


FAQ


Q1: What is the difference between AISI 1055 and DIN C55 steel?

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.


Q2: Can C55 steel be case-hardened?

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.


Q3: Can C55 steel be used for spring components?

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.


Q4: What is the best machining process for C55 steel?

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.


Q5: How to prevent cracking during C55 steel heat treatment?

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.


Q6: Can Qilu Steel provide custom heat treatment for C55 steel?

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.


Contact Us


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.


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