S45C vs.S50C Steel Plates
When it comes to medium-carbon steel, both S45C Vs S50C are popular choices, known for their excellent mechanical properties and versatility. These steels are widely used across various industries for applications that require good tensile strength, wear resistance, and toughness. In this article, we’ll break down the key characteristics of S45C and S50C steel plates, including their global equivalents, chemical compositions, physical and mechanical properties, and typical applications.
What is S45C?
S45C is a medium-carbon steel with a carbon content of around 0.45%, often used in mechanical engineering and tooling applications. Known for its excellent machinability and moderate strength, S45C is comparable to AISI 1045 in the American standard and 45# steel in China. It can be heat-treated to improve its mechanical properties, making it an excellent choice for shafts, gears, and other machine parts.
Uses of S45C:
- Shafts and axles
- Gears and pulleys
- Machine parts
- Bolts and studs
What is S50C?
S50C is a high-carbon steel with around 0.50% carbon content, providing it with superior hardness and wear resistance compared to S45C. It is equivalent to AISI 1050 in the U.S. and 50# steel in China. S50C is often used in cutting tools that require higher wear resistance and strength, such as mold bases, dies, and heavy-duty machine parts.
Uses of S50C in Cutting Tools:
- Mold Bases: S50C’s higher strength makes it ideal for cutting tool mold bases used in industries that require high wear resistance.
- Heavy-Duty Cutting Tools: The increased hardness of S50C is perfect for tools used in heavy-duty machining and industrial settings.
- Dies and Punches: S50C’s excellent wear resistance is ideal for dies and punches used in cutting tools, where frequent impacts occur.
Chemical Composition of S45C vs. S50C
The carbon content difference between S45C and S50C has a significant impact on their properties, particularly in terms of hardness and strength.
S45C Chemical Composition (Equivalent to AISI 1045 and GB 45# Steel)
| Country | Standard | Grade | C (%) | Si (%) | Mn (%) | P (%) | S (%) | Ni (%) | Cr (%) | Cu (%) |
| China | GB/T 711 | 45 | 0.42-0.50 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.20 | ≤0.25 |
| USA | ASTM A29 | 1045 | 0.43-0.50 | – | 0.60-0.90 | ≤0.04 | ≤0.05 | – | – | – |
S50C Chemical Composition (Equivalent to AISI 1050 and GB 50# Steel)
| Country | Standard | Grade | C (%) | Si (%) | Mn (%) | P (%) | S (%) | Ni (%) | Cr (%) | Cu (%) |
| China | GB/T 711 | 50 | 0.47-0.55 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 |
| USA | ASTM A29 | 1050 | 0.48-0.55 | – | 0.60-0.90 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.035 | – | – | – |
The higher carbon content in S50C gives it greater hardness and tensile strength, making it better suited for cutting tools that require superior wear resistance.
Global Steel Equivalents: S45C and S50C
Here’s a comparison of the global equivalents for both S45C and S50C, showing how they align with international standards.
S45C Equivalents
| Country | Standard | Grade |
| China | GB/T 711 | 45 |
| USA | ASTM A29 | 1045 |
| Japan | JIS G4051 | S45C |
| Germany | DIN 17200 | Ck45 |
| France | NF A 37-502 | XC45 |
| UK | BS 970 | EN8 |
S50C Equivalents
| Country | Standard | Grade |
| China | GB/T 711 | 50 |
| USA | ASTM A29 | 1050 |
| Japan | JIS G4051 | S50C |
| Germany | DIN 17200 | C50/1.0540 |
| France | NF A 35-552 | XC48H1 |
| UK | BS 970 | EN9 |
Physical Properties Comparison
Both S45C and S50C share similar physical properties such as density and melting points. However, S50C is slightly harder due to its increased carbon content.
| Property | S45C | S50C |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.85 | 7.85 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1480 | 1480 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 46 | 45 |
Mechanical Properties Comparison
The increased carbon content in S50C results in improved tensile strength and yield strength, making it ideal for cutting tools that require higher durability.
| Property | S45C | S50C |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 570-700 | 610-740 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 340-440 | 355-460 |
| Hardness (HB) | 163 | 177 |
| Elongation (%) | 14-16 | 12-14 |
Heat Treatment Considerations
Both S45C and S50C are responsive to heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering, which are essential for enhancing their mechanical properties.
- Quenching and Tempering: Both steels can be quenched to increase hardness, with S50C achieving higher hardness levels due to its carbon content.
- Machining and Welding: S45C is easier to machine compared to S50C, especially after heat treatment.
Application Scenarios
The increased carbon content in S50C makes it suitable for high-wear tools and heavy-duty applications, whereas S45C offers better machinability and is more suited for general machine components.
| Application | S45C | S50C |
| Gears and Shafts | Yes | Yes |
| Machine Components | Yes | Yes |
| Mold Bases & Dies | No | Yes |
| High-Wear Tools | Limited | Yes |
| Automotive Components | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
Both S45C and S50C are versatile medium-carbon steels, widely used for cutting tools, machinery parts, and automotive components. S50C, with its higher carbon content, is better for applications that require higher wear resistance and hardness, while S45C provides a good balance of machinability and strength.
ZGT Special Steel is one of important supplier of carbon steel and wear-resistant plates, offering high-quality custom processing services to meet your specific needs. If you need further assistance or are interested in custom solutions for cutting tools, feel free to contact ZGT Special Steel.
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