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.
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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:
- EN8 Carbon Steel Round Bars: Available in both hot rolled and bright drawn/turned finishes.
- EN8 Carbon Steel Sheets & Plates: Manufactured in various sizes and thicknesses.
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
Welding EN8 Carbon Steel
Thermal Conductivity of EN8 Carbon Steel
Manufacturing Process of EN8 Carbon Steel
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
Shafts and Axles
Gears and Bearings
Fasteners and Studs
General Engineering Components
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.




