EN8 Chemical Composition & EN8 Material Properties

by | Jun 21, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

Mild Steel, also known as Carbon Steel, is a low-carbon steel with a carbon content of up to 0.25% & no other alloying elements. The term “Mild” covers a wide range of steel grades & forms used across different industries. It is widely applied in mechanical engineering for parts that are not subjected to high stress.

When mild steel is processed through bright cold drawing, it gains the ability to handle higher stress, especially in smaller diameters. Bright mild steel offers several benefits such as improved dimensional accuracy, superior straightness & a smooth surface finish. Cold drawing also brings the material closer to its final machining size, reducing machining costs, while offering greater physical strength compared to hot-rolled bars of the same dimensions. EN8, a medium carbon steel (BS 970 080M40) provides higher strength than standard bright mild steel due to its characteristics of thermo-mechanical rolling. 

The EN8 chemical composition plays a key role in defining its strength, hardness, toughness & weldability all influenced by the precise ratio of elements such as carbon, manganese & silicon. These components give EN8 its distinctive balance of durability & mechanical performance to be used for engineering and manufacturing applications. To learn more about how these elements shape its properties and uses, explore our complete guide on EN8 chemical composition and material properties.

What is EN8 Carbon Steel?

EN8 carbon steel, often referred to as medium carbon and medium tensile steel, surpasses mild steel due to its reinforcement with hardened medium carbon steel. This makes EN8 steel notably robust and versatile, suitable for machining in various conditions.

EN8 carbon steel is typically used in its delivered state, requiring no additional treatment. However, it can undergo induction hardening to enhance surface hardness, boosting wear resistance. This property is particularly beneficial for components like axles, shafts, gears, nuts, and studs.The EN8 material hardness can be further increased through induction hardening, achieving a surface hardness of 50–55 HRC. This process significantly improves the wear resistance of the parts, making EN8 an ideal choice for applications demanding durability and strength due to its uniform metallurgical structure, EN8 steel offers reliable and consistent machining capabilities, even in its heat-treated form. This makes it a preferred material for various engineering and manufacturing applications, ensuring both performance and longevity.

Request a quick quote for EN8 carbon steel products today.

EN8 Material Chemical Composition

Element Percentage Range
Carbon (C) 0.36% – 0.44%
Silicon (Si) 0.10% – 0.40%
Manganese (Mn) 0.60% – 1.00%
Phosphorus (P) Maximum 0.050%
Sulfur (S) Maximum 0.050%
Chromium (Cr) Maximum 0.30%
Nickel (Ni) Maximum 0.25%

EN8 Mechanical Properties

Heat Treatment Yield Strength Rm Tensile Strength Rm Rp 0.2 Impact
Izod Ft.lb KCV J
MPa MPa MPa
N 280 550 15 16
245 510
Q 385 625/775 355 25 28
R 465 700/850 450 25 28

EN8 Carbon Steel Products by Kalpataru Piping Solutions

Kalpataru Piping Solutions is a trusted manufacturer, supplier & exporter of EN8 Carbon Steel products, offering superior quality and precision-engineered solutions for diverse industrial applications. 

We provide EN8 Carbon Steel in multiple forms, including:

For custom sizes, bulk orders or technical assistance, get in touch with us today for a competitive quote on EN8 carbon steel products.

EN8 Carbon Steel Equivalent Grades

EN8 carbon steel corresponds to several international standards. Below are its commonly recognized equivalents:

  • BS 970-1991: 080M40
  • AISI / ASTM A29: 1038, 1040, 1045
  • DIN Werkstoff No.: 1.0511, 1.1186, 1.1189
  • BS & DIN (European): C40, CK40, C45, CK45
  • JIS G4051: S40C, S45C

EN8 Carbon Steel Heat Treatment

EN8 carbon steel, also known as 080M40, undergoes specific heat treatments to achieve desired properties:

Tempering: Heat to 550°C-660°C (1022°F-1220°F) for 1 hour per inch of thickness, then cool in oil or water. This reduces brittleness while maintaining hardness.
Normalizing: Heat to 830°C-860°C (1526°F-1580°F), then cool in air. This refines the grain structure and enhances toughness.
Quenching: Heat to the normalizing temperature and quench in oil or water to increase hardness and strength for demanding applications.

EN8 vs EN9 Steel

Properties EN8 EN9
Carbon content 0.36-0.44% 0.50-0.60%
Hardness upto 207 HBW upto 255 HBW
Tensile Strength ≥540 Mpa ≥695 Mpa

Forging of EN8 Carbon Steel

EN8 carbon steel is a type of medium carbon steel known for its strength. Forging of EN8 material starts at heating it to a high temperature until it becomes soft enough to shape into the desired form. This process will enhance the mechanical properties of the steel for use in engineering applications. 

After forging, due to the high-performance mechanical properties of EN8 material is used in manufacturing components like shafts, gears & axles. The slow & uniform heating followed by proper cooling which helps in achieving the desired structural integrity and performance in the final product.

EN8 Material Weight Calculator

Calculating the weight of EN8 carbon steel components is essential for various engineering & manufacturing applications. Using a material weight calculator you can determine the weight of EN8 steel based on its dimensions & density to get accurate measurements for project needs. Below is a table illustrating the parameters involved in calculating the weight of EN8 material: Using these parameters, the weight of an EN8 component can be easily calculated, aiding in precise material management and cost estimation for various projects.

Welding EN8 Carbon Steel

Welding EN8 steel is now easier with modern EN8 bright mild steel due to its lower carbon content. MIG wire (SG2) or a 7018 low hydrogen electrode is used for material up to 18 mm thick. Preheat to about 100°C to prevent cracking during welding for thicker sections.

Thermal Conductivity of EN8 Carbon Steel

EN8 steel has good thermal conductivity, helping it transfer heat efficiently. This is useful in mechanical parts where heat dissipation is important, though it may require consideration in designs needing thermal insulation.

Manufacturing Process of EN8 Carbon Steel

EN8 carbon steel is manufactured through two primary processes—hot rolling and cold finishing—each suited to different application needs and quality requirements:

1. Hot Rolling

EN8 carbon steel is manufactured through two primary processes—hot rolling and cold finishing—each suited to different application needs and quality requirements:

Benefits: Ideal for bulk production & more cost-effective for large volumes.

Limitations: May have less accurate dimensions and a rougher surface finish compared to cold-finished products.

2. Cold Finishing

It can be cold finished through additional processes such as drawing, peeling or turning at room temperature.

Benefits: Offer superior dimensional accuracy, tighter tolerance & a smoother surface finish.

Applications: Used for precision parts where exact measurements are needed.

The choice between hot-rolled and cold finished EN8 steel depends on the required finish, dimensional precision, and end-use application.

Application of EN8 Carbon Steel

EN8 carbon steel is a preferred material across multiple industries due to its balanced combination of strength, hardness & machinability.

Shafts and Axles

EN8 is widely used in manufacturing shafts and axles which demand high tensile strength and resistance to wear. These components are critical in automotive systems, industrial equipment & mechanical assemblies.

Gears and Bearings

The material ability to be surface-hardened makes it ideal for gears and bearings. EN8 steel ensures long service life by minimizing wear and maintaining dimensional stability under load.

Fasteners and Studs

EN8 is also used to produce bolts, studs & other fasteners that require durability and strength especially in high-stress environments.

General Engineering Components

Its versatility makes EN8 suitable for a wide range of general engineering parts such as couplings, keys, spindles & connecting rods where a good balance of toughness and machinability is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions on EN8 Carbon Steel

What is EN8 material?

EN8 is a medium carbon steel known for its higher strength & wear resistance as compared to mild steel. It can be pre heated for improved surface hardness to use in manufacturing processes of parts like shafts, gear & axles.

What is the Standard Equivalent of EN8 Steel in India?

In India, EN8 steel is equivalent to IS 40C8 under the IS standard specification.

What is the Hardening Temperature for EN8 Steel?

EN8 steel can be hardened by heating it to 830°C to 860°C (1526°F to 1580°F) before quenching in oil or water.

What is the difference between EN8 and mild steel?
EN8 contains more carbon than mild steel to provide high strength and hardness. It is more ductile & easier to weld and use it in applications requiring higher tensile strength and improved wear resistance.

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