Material Specifications & International Equivalents

As a specialized low-alloy high-strength steel grade within the German DIN system, 16MnCr5 seamless tubes maintain precise correspondence with international standards including:

  • China: 20MnCr5 alloy structural steel (GB/T 3077)

  • United States: 5115 (ASTM standards, chromium alloy steel)

  • Japan: SMnCr420H (JIS G4053)

  • Europe: X16CrMnH12 (EN standards)

  • Taiwan: SCM415 (CNS standards)

The designation "16" represents approximately 0.16% carbon content, "Mn" indicates manganese as the primary strengthening element, "Cr" denotes chromium for enhanced wear resistance and carburizing performance, and "5" identifies the material sequence number, clearly defining its low-carbon manganese-chromium composite alloy characteristics for precision mechanical applications.

Mechanical Properties & Performance Characteristics

These case-hardening alloy tubes demonstrate excellent mechanical capabilities in annealed condition with tensile strength ≥490MPa, yield strength ≥345MPa, and elongation ≥22%. Through proper carburizing + quenching + low-temperature tempering processes, the surface hardness can achieve HRC58-62 with exceptional wear resistance while maintaining core hardness of HRC30-40 for reliable toughness, substantially outperforming carbon steels in fatigue strength and durability.

The enhanced processing characteristics include excellent hardenability through manganese-chromium composite action, suitable for complete carburizing hardening of small-to-medium cross-sectional components. Superior machinability after annealing reduces tool wear during processing, while welding requires preheating to 150-200°C to prevent cold cracking. The optimized carburizing response enables precise surface carbon concentration control and uniform case depth formation.

Technical Advantages:

  • Exceptional "hard surface + tough core" composite properties

  • Superior wear and impact resistance

  • Excellent fatigue strength under alternating loads

  • Cost-effective machining through low-carbon composition

  • Ideal for precision machinery requiring high accuracy and long service life

  • 3-5 times longer service life after carburizing compared to carbon steels

Applications & Industrial Solutions

16MnCr5 alloy seamless tubes serve critical applications across multiple precision engineering sectors:

Mechanical Manufacturing

  • Precision gears and gear shafts

  • Spline shafts and universal joints

  • Bearing sleeves and clutch plates

  • High-precision pin shafts requiring carburizing surface hardening

Automotive Industry

  • Transmission gears and synchronizer rings

  • Drive shaft splines and steering gears

  • Automotive bearing seats

  • Automotive components enduring frequent meshing and repeated friction

Precision Machine Tools

  • Machine tool spindles and feed gears

  • Precision transmission components

  • Machinery applications requiring precision machining and long-term wear stability

General Precision Applications

  • Power tool gears and hydraulic pump gears

  • Textile machinery precision components

  • Imported precision equipment localization

  • Replacement applications for 20MnCr5 and 5115 material components

Carburizing-Specific Applications

  • All small-to-medium cross-sectional components requiring "surface hardening + core toughness"

  • Applications demanding extended service life through carburizing treatment

  • Case hardening scenarios where surface durability is critical

Customization & Delivery Options

16MnCr5 tubes are typically supplied in annealed condition (GBK/+A) to ensure optimal machinability and weldability for subsequent carburizing treatment. For applications not requiring secondary carburizing, we provide normalized condition (NBK/+N) to enhance microstructural homogeneity. Precision engineering scenarios can be served with stress-relieved condition (BKS/+SR) to guarantee straightness within 0.5mm/m, meeting high-precision assembly requirements. Tenjan's manufacturing flexibility enables customized solutions in dimensions, surface quality, and mechanical properties to meet specific precision application requirements.

Tenjan Advantage & Quality Commitment

Supported by 21 years of specialized experience in alloy steel tube manufacturing and comprehensive production capabilities, Tenjan delivers reliable 16MnCr5 tubular solutions through advanced quality management systems and technical expertise. Our custom alloy steel capability enables production of various domestic and international alloy steel grades tailored to your specific application requirements, including specialized manganese-chromium alloys for precision carburizing applications. With full-process manufacturing control and professional technical support, we ensure consistent material quality and performance reliability for your most demanding precision mechanical applications. Our flexible order quantities and responsive customer service guarantee seamless project integration and ongoing technical support throughout your operation lifecycle, maintaining our commitment to delivering high-performance alloy solutions that exceed customer expectations for precision, durability, and reliability in challenging precision engineering environments.