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DIN 46Cr2 1.7006 Alloy Steel for Quenching and Tempering

Grade: 46Cr2 1.7006

 

46Cr2/1.7006 alloy steel (according to EN 10083-3 standard) is a medium-carbon chromium alloy steel featuring a precisely balanced and strictly controlled chemical composition. Its core consists of carbon (C: 0.42-0.50%) to provide a strong foundation for hardness after quenching, and chromium (Cr: 0.40-0.60%) is added to significantly enhance hardenability, wear resistance, and some corrosion resistance.

Availability:
Quantity:
  • 46Cr2

  • Qilu


Product Features


DIN 46Cr2 (1.7006) is a chromium-alloyed quenched and tempered steel, renowned for its balanced mechanical properties, excellent hardenability, and superior machining performance. This material is widely utilized in automotive, machinery, and precision engineering sectors. Below is a comprehensive guide to its composition, properties, processing, and applications, designed to meet the needs of manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals.


Chemical Composition of DIN 46Cr2

The chemical composition of DIN 46Cr2 is strictly controlled to ensure consistent performance across batches. Each element plays a key role in enhancing the material’s strength, toughness, and resistance to wear.


Element

Content Range

Key Function

Carbon (C)

0.42-0.50%

Enhances tensile strength and hardness; ensures optimal response to heat treatment

Silicon (Si)

Max 0.40%

Improves oxidation resistance and strengthens the ferrite matrix

Manganese (Mn)

0.50-0.80%

Boosts hardenability and toughness; offsets the brittleness caused by sulfur

Phosphorus (P)

Max 0.025%Strictly limited to minimize cold brittleness and improve welding performance

Sulfur (S)

Max 0.035%

Controlled to reduce hot brittleness and enhance machinability

Chromium (Cr)

0.40-0.60%

Elevates hardenability and wear resistance; promotes uniform hardness distribution during quenching


The low impurity levels of phosphorus and sulfur are critical for reducing material brittleness. This allows the steel to maintain structural integrity under high-load conditions. The moderate chromium content ensures compatibility with various heat treatment processes. It helps manufacturers achieve precise hardness and toughness levels for specific applications.


Mechanical Properties of DIN 46Cr2 (1.7006)

The mechanical properties of DIN 46Cr2 vary by product form, size range, and heat treatment process. All values comply with EN 10083-3 (quenched & tempered steel) and EN 10250-3 (open die forgings) standards.


1. Quenched & Tempered Steel (EN 10083-3)


Size Range

Tensile Strength

Yield Strength

Elongation

Area of Reduction

Impact Value (At RT)

d≤16

t≤8

900-1100 Mpa

Min 650 Mpa

Min 12%

Min 35%

/

16<d≤40

8<t≤20

800-950 Mpa

Min 550 Mpa

Min 14%

Min 40%

Min 35 J

40<d≤100

20<t≤60

650-800 Mpa

Min 400 Mpa

Min 15%

Min 45%

Min 35 J


Sampling Standard: Samples are taken 12.5mm below the heat-treated surface per EN 10083-1 to ensure test accuracy.


2. Open Die Forgings (EN 10250-3, Size ≤ 70mm)

  • Tensile Strength: Min 650 Mpa

  • Yield Strength: Min 400 Mpa

  • Elongation: Min 15%

  • Impact Value (Room Temperature): Min 35 J


Sampling Standard: Samples are taken at 4/T below the surface (20mm min, 80mm max) and t/2 from the end, where t is the equivalent thickness of the forging’s ruling section.


Hardenability & Surface Hardness of DIN 46Cr2 (1.7006)

DIN 46Cr2 offers excellent hardenability, with surface hardness varying by heat treatment method:


Heat Treatment Method

Hardness

Typical Application Scenarios

Flame or Induction Hardening

54 HRC

Components requiring high wear resistance (e.g., gears, shafts)

Treated for Shearability (+S)

Max 255 HB

Machined parts needing good cutting performance

Soft Annealed (+A)

Max 223 HBPre-machining preparation to reduce tool wear

Quenched & Tempered (+QT)

28-32 HRC

(Common Range)

General high-strength structural components


For applications requiring specific hardenability (e.g., +H, +HH, +HL), the Rockwell C (HRC) hardness at different distances from the quenched end is standardized as follows:


Distance from Quenched End (mm)

+H (Min HRC)

+H (Max HRC)

+HH (Min HRC)

+HH (Max HRC)

+HL (Min HRC)

+HL (Max HRC)

1.5

54

63

57

63

54

60

3

49

61

53

61

49

57

5

40

59

46

59

40

53

7

32

57

40

57

32

49

9

28

53

36

53

28

45


Supply Specifications & Tolerances

Qilu Steel supplies DIN 46Cr2 in various product forms, with strict size tolerances and surface finish options to meet diverse industrial needs.


1. Product Types & Size Ranges


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

Thickness: 3-200mm; Width: 1500-2500mm

2000-5800mm

Hot Forged Block

Thickness: 80-800mm; Width: 100-2500mm

2000-5800mm


2. Surface Finish & Tolerances


Surface Finish

Tolerance

Straightness

Turned

+0/+3mm

Max 1mm/1000mm

Milled

+0/+3mm

Max 1mm/1000mm

Grinding (Best)

+0/+0.05mm

Max 1mm/1000mm

Polished (Best)

+0/+0.05mm

Max 1mm/1000mm

Peeled (Best)

+0/+0.1mm

Max 1mm/1000mm

Black Forged

+0/+5mm

Max 3mm/1000mm

Black Rolled

+0/+1mm

Max 3mm/1000mm


Common stock sizes for hot-rolled bars include Φ16mm, Φ18mm, Φ20mm, ..., Φ310mm (full range available upon request), while hot-forged bars stock includes Φ310mm to Φ550mm. Stock levels update daily, so customers are advised to contact sales for real-time availability.


Heat Treatment Characteristics

DIN 46Cr2 responds well to standard heat treatment processes. Proper parameter control is key to achieving desired material properties:


  • Soft Annealing: Heat to 820-850℃, hold at temperature, cool in furnace at a rate ≤30℃/h to 600℃, then air cool. This process reduces hardness to a maximum of 223 HB, improving machinability and reducing tool wear during cutting operations.

  • Normalizing: Heat to 850-880℃, soak thoroughly, then air cool. Normalizing refines the grain structure, improves microstructure uniformity, and prepares the material for subsequent quenching and tempering.

  • Quenching & Tempering: Heat to 820-860℃ (use the lower end for water quenching, upper end for oil quenching), hold, quench in water or oil, then temper at 540-680℃ and air cool. This is the most critical process for DIN 46Cr2 (1.7006), as it delivers the material’s signature high strength and toughness balance.


Weldability

DIN 46Cr2 has relatively poor weldability due to its carbon content of 0.42-0.50%. Carbon levels above 0.25% typically increase the risk of weld cracking and reduce joint strength.


To ensure successful welding, follow these precautions:


  • Preheat the base material to 200-300℃ before welding to reduce thermal stress.

  • Use low-hydrogen welding electrodes to minimize hydrogen-induced cracking.

  • Perform post-weld annealing at 600-650℃ to relieve residual stress and improve joint toughness.


Recommendation: For applications requiring extensive welding, consider alternative low-carbon alloy steels. Consult our technical team for customized welding solutions.


Applications

DIN 46Cr2 is widely used in industries where high strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability are critical:


Automotive Engineering

  • Drive Shafts & Axles: Withstands high torsional stress and impact loads during acceleration and braking, ensuring long service life in heavy-duty vehicles.

  • Gears & Synchronizer Rings: The 28-32 HRC hardness after quenching and tempering resists tooth wear, while its toughness prevents chipping, ensuring smooth gear engagement.

  • Steering System Components: Tie rods, steering knuckles, and other precision-machined parts benefit from the steel’s dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity, enhancing driving safety.


Machinery Manufacturing

  • Crankshafts & Connecting Rods: Suitable for medium-load engines and industrial machinery due to its high fatigue resistance.

  • Hydraulic Cylinder Rods: The excellent hardenability allows for uniform surface hardness, improving wear resistance under high-pressure conditions.


Precision Engineering

Tool Holders & Fixtures: Maintains dimensional accuracy during high-speed machining operations, reducing tool vibration and improving workpiece quality.


FAQ


Q1: What is the difference between DIN 46Cr2 and 42CrMo steel?

A1: DIN 46Cr2 is a chromium-only alloy steel with moderate hardenability and cost-effectiveness, ideal for medium-load applications. 42CrMo steel contains molybdenum, which enhances high-temperature strength and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for heavy-duty, high-temperature environments. 42CrMo is more expensive than 46Cr2.


Q2: Can DIN 46Cr2 be used for high-temperature applications?

A2: DIN 46Cr2 performs well at temperatures up to 300℃. Beyond this range, its strength and hardness decrease significantly. For high-temperature applications above 300℃, consider heat-resistant alloy steels such as 25Cr2MoVA.


Q3: What is the maximum hardness achievable for DIN 46Cr2?

A3: Through flame or induction hardening, DIN 46Cr2 can reach a surface hardness of 54 HRC. This level of hardness is ideal for wear-resistant components like gears and shafts. The core hardness remains relatively low after surface hardening, maintaining overall toughness.


Q4: How to improve the machinability of 46Cr2?

A4: Perform soft annealing before machining to reduce hardness to a maximum of 223 HB. Use sharp cutting tools and adopt moderate cutting speeds to minimize tool wear. Additionally, choose shearability-treated (+S) grades with a maximum hardness of 255 HB for better cutting performance.


Q5: Is 46Cr2 suitable for cold forming?

A5: DIN 46Cr2 has limited cold-forming performance due to its high strength. Cold forming may cause cracking or deformation. For forming operations, it is recommended to perform warm forming at 300-500℃, or choose annealed grades with lower hardness.


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