What is EN32M steel used for?

EN32M (210M15 / C15E) is a low-carbon case-hardening steel used for gears, camshafts, pins and bushes where a hard surface with a tough core is required.

How is EN32M case hardened?

EN32M is carburised (carbon is diffused into the surface) and then quenched and tempered. The result is a hard, wear-resistant surface over a tough, impact-resistant core.

EN32M Case Hardening Steel / 210M15

Specifications & Equivalents

Grade Designations.

BS EN 10084:2008	C15E / 1.1141 (nearest)
BS 970:1991 (withdrawn)	210M15
AISI/SAE	1015 / 1018
DIN	C15E / 1.1141
ISO	C15E

Stock Range

Availability & Supply Condition.

Bright Rounds: 3–100mm | Bright Squares: 6–75mm

Supply condition: Bright Drawn (cold drawn). Supplied to mechanical test (M suffix).

Cut to length from 1 piece — −0/+2mm standard tolerance — 2–3 day turnaround — Cutting service details ›

Chemical Composition

Chemical Analysis.

Values shown as percentages by weight (% wt). Values are ranges unless stated as maxima.

Designation	C	Si	Mn	P max	S max
210M15	0.12–0.18	0.10–0.40	0.60–1.00	0.05	0.05
C15E	0.12–0.18	0.17–0.37	0.30–0.60	0.025	0.035

For full chemical analysis with heat number, request an EN 10204 3.1 material test certificate when ordering — available on all alloy grades. Certificate types explained ›

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical Properties.

Values shown for standard supply condition. Properties vary by section size and heat treatment condition.

Condition	Tensile Rm (N/mm²)	Yield Re (N/mm²)	A% min	Case HRC
As drawn (bright)	~430–570	~200	~20	—
After carburising + hardening	(core) ~430–500	(core) ~200	(core) ~15	58–64

Hardness values: see our hardness conversion table to convert between HRC, HB, HV and tensile strength.

Applications

Typical Applications.

Light-duty case hardened gears and sprockets
Pins, bushes, studs and fasteners
Welded and case-hardened assemblies
Case hardened shafts (light duty)
Screws, bolts and nuts

Benefits

Key Benefits.

Most cost-effective dedicated case hardening grade
Supplied with mechanical test certificate (M designation)
Excellent weldability — all conventional processes
Very tough, ductile core after carburising
Good machinability in the as-drawn condition

Technical Notes

Remarks & Guidance.

Carburise at 880–940°C. Oil quench from 780–820°C. Temper at 150–180°C. For applications requiring a mechanical test certificate but NOT case hardening, consider EN3B (070M20) or EN8 (080M40). For chemical-analysis-only supply without mechanical test, specify BMS / 080A15 (formerly EN32B) — available at lower cost.

Heat Treatment