What 1.5919 steel is
1.5919 is a low-carbon chromium-nickel case hardening steel. Its grade designation is 15CrNi6, listed in EN 10084 and previously in DIN 17210. Parts in this grade are not used in the as-forged condition. The part is machined close to shape, carburized so that carbon diffuses into the surface, then quenched and tempered at low temperature. The result is a hard case that resists pitting and wear on a tooth flank or bearing seat, over a core that stays tough under shock and bending loads.
Nickel is the reason to choose 1.5919 over chromium-only carburizing grades such as 16MnCr5. It raises core toughness and improves hardenability, so heavier sections still transform properly through the wall. 1.5919 is normally specified when a gear or shaft is too large or too heavily loaded for the plain chromium grades, and the cost of 18CrNiMo7-6 is not justified.
Key facts at a glance
- Material number1.5919
- Grade designation15CrNi6
- StandardEN 10084 (case hardening steels); previously DIN 17210
- Steel familyCr-Ni alloyed case hardening (carburizing) steel
- Nominal alloying1.5 % Cr, 1.5 % Ni, 0.15 % C
- Core tensile strength900–1200 N/mm² after case hardening
- Typical case hardness58–62 HRC after carburizing and tempering at 150–200 °C
- Forging range1100 °C down to 850 °C
- WeldabilityWeldable in the soft annealed condition with preheat. Not welded after carburizing
- Main usesBevel and crown gears, gear and pinion shafts, spindles, bolts, bushings
Chemical composition of 1.5919 / 15CrNi6
| Element | EN 10084 range | Typical mill analysis | Role in the steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.14 – 0.19 | 0.15 | Kept low so the core stays tough. The case takes its carbon from carburizing |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.40 | 0.25 | Deoxidiser. Excess silicon slows carbon diffusion during carburizing |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.60 | 0.50 | Hardenability and sulphur control |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 | — | Residual. Kept low to protect impact toughness |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.035 | — | Residual. Low sulphur improves transverse properties |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.40 – 1.70 | 1.55 | Hardenability and carbide formation in the case |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.40 – 1.70 | 1.55 | Core toughness, including at low temperature |
The superseded DIN 17210 listing used a lower carbon band of about 0.12–0.17 % and a looser phosphorus limit. Where a drawing calls out DIN 17210 we confirm which analysis window applies before booking the heat. The mill test certificate for the delivered heat governs.
Mechanical properties
After case hardening and tempering at 200 °C
| Ruling section, d | Core tensile strength Rm | Typical case hardness |
|---|---|---|
| d ≤ 16 mm | min. 1200 N/mm² | 58–62 HRC |
| 16 < d ≤ 40 mm | min. 1100 N/mm² | 58–62 HRC |
| 40 < d ≤ 100 mm | min. 900 N/mm² | 58–62 HRC |
Case depth depends on the carburizing cycle and is normally specified on the drawing, usually between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm. Core hardness is typically 30–40 HRC. Ruling sections above 100 mm are agreed case by case.
Hardness in the delivery condition
| Symbol | Condition | Brinell hardness |
|---|---|---|
| +S | Treated for cold shearability | max. 255 HB |
| +A | Soft annealed | max. 229 HB |
| +TH | Treated for strength | 175 – 229 HB |
| +FP | Treated for ferrite-pearlite structure and hardness range | 156 – 207 HB |
We normally ship 1.5919 forgings annealed, or normalised and annealed, so the customer can machine before carburizing. State the required condition symbol on the order if a specific hardness window is needed.
Heat treatment and forging parameters
| Operation | Temperature | Cooling | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forging / hot forming | 1100 – 850 °C | Slow, controlled | Shape the part and close internal porosity |
| Normalising | 850 – 880 °C | Air | Refine grain after forging, even out structure |
| Soft annealing | 650 – 700 °C | Furnace, slow | Lower hardness for machining, max. 229 HB |
| Intermediate annealing | 630 – 650 °C | Furnace | Relieve stress between machining stages |
| Carburizing | 880 – 980 °C | Oil, water, salt or thermal bath | Build the carbon-rich case |
| Core hardening | 830 – 870 °C | Oil | Set core strength |
| Case hardening | 780 – 820 °C | Oil | Harden the carburized surface |
| Tempering | 150 – 200 °C | Air | Relieve quench stress and keep case hardness |
Annealing after forging
1.5919 carries about 1.5 % chromium and 1.5 % nickel in solution, which gives it a high sensitivity to hydrogen flaking. Flakes are internal cracks that form hours or days after forging. Ultrasonic testing will find them and the piece then has to be scrapped. Every 1.5919 forging in our shop goes through a controlled slow cool and annealing cycle straight after forging. This drives out diffusible hydrogen, refines the as-forged grain and leaves a stable structure for machining and for the customer's carburizing line.
Equivalent and comparable grades
| Standard / country | Designation | Match |
|---|---|---|
| EN 10084 (Europe) | 15CrNi6 / 1.5919 | Reference grade |
| DIN 17210 (Germany, superseded) | 15CrNi6 | Same grade, slightly different carbon band |
| SAE / AISI (USA) | 3115 | Nearest equivalent, not identical |
| AFNOR (France) | 16NC6 | Close equivalent |
| Higher-carbon sister grade | 17CrNi6-6 / 1.5918 | Related grade for larger sections |
| GB/T (China) | — | No exact GB equivalent. Order to EN 10084 |
| JIS (Japan) | — | No exact match. SNC415 and SNC815 differ in the Cr:Ni balance |
These cross-references are sourcing guidance. Chemistry limits differ between standards, so a near equivalent may still fall outside the drawing. Because there is no exact GB or JIS counterpart, we recommend writing EN 10084 15CrNi6 (1.5919) on the purchase order together with the required analysis window, so the heat is booked against the correct chemistry.
1.5919 forged forms supplied
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. produces 1.5919 forgings by open-die forging and ring rolling, working from ingot or continuous-cast billet. We forge to the customer's drawing rather than to a fixed catalogue.
| Forged form | Also called | Size range |
|---|---|---|
| Round bars | Rods, forged bar stock | Ø 80 – 1200 mm, length to 12 000 mm |
| Square, flat and hex bars | Rectangular bars, blooms | 60 – 1000 mm across flats |
| Seamless rolled rings | Ring-rolled rings, raceways | OD 200 – 4000 mm, height to 800 mm |
| Forged rings | Upset and punched rings | OD 150 – 2500 mm |
| Hollow bars, sleeves, bushings | Cylinders, casings, shells, housings, hubs | OD 150 – 2000 mm, ID from 60 mm |
| Discs, blocks, plates | Disks, forged slabs | Ø to 2500 mm, blocks to 1500 mm thick |
| Gear and pinion shafts | Spindles, bevel gear and crown wheel blanks, crankshafts | Length to 12 000 mm |
Single-piece weight from 50 kg to 40 t. Sizes outside these ranges are quoted on enquiry. All forgings are supplied with machining allowance unless a finish-machined part is ordered.
Where 1.5919 is used
1.5919 is specified for components that carry a high contact stress at the surface and a high bending or shock load through the body, in sections too heavy for chromium-only carburizing steels.
- Drivetrain gearing. Driving bevel gears, crown wheels, ring gears and pinions in truck axles and heavy vehicle transmissions.
- Gear and pinion shafts. Heavy-duty gear shafts and spindles in industrial gearboxes and mechanical engineering.
- Wind power. Planet and sun gear blanks, shafts and rings in gearbox assemblies, where core toughness at low ambient temperature matters.
- Aerospace and truck construction. Components with large cross sections requiring high toughness and core strength.
- Fasteners and pins. High-strength bolts, king pins and heavily loaded connecting components.
- Bushings and housings. Case-hardened bearing seats, sleeves and hubs.
Testing, documentation and certification
Every 1.5919 forging ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate recording the heat number, ladle analysis, forging reduction ratio, heat treatment record and mechanical test results, traceable to the individual piece.
The following can be added to any order:
- Ultrasonic testing to EN 10228-3, SEP 1921 or ASTM A388 acceptance classes
- Magnetic particle inspection and dye penetrant inspection
- Austenitic grain size determination and Jominy end-quench hardenability testing
- Charpy V-notch impact testing, including sub-zero temperatures
- Macro and micro structure examination, non-metallic inclusion rating
- Third-party witness inspection and release by SGS, BV, TUV, Lloyd's or the customer's own inspector
How to order 1.5919 forgings
Send a drawing or a dimensioned sketch to sales@steelforgepieces.com. Please include:
- Grade and standard, 1.5919 / 15CrNi6, EN 10084
- Finished or rough dimensions, and whether machining allowance is included
- Quantity, and whether this is a prototype, a trial batch or series production
- Required delivery condition: +A, +TH, +FP, normalised, or as-forged
- Testing and certification required: ultrasonic class, impact temperature, 3.1 or 3.2 certificate
- Destination port and target delivery date
Questions and answers
What is 1.5919 steel?
1.5919 is the EN/DIN material number for 15CrNi6, a chromium-nickel case hardening steel covered by EN 10084. It contains about 0.15 % carbon, 1.5 % chromium and 1.5 % nickel. After carburizing, quenching and low-temperature tempering the surface is hard and wear resistant and the core stays tough, with a core tensile strength of 900–1200 N/mm².
Is 1.5919 the same as 15CrNi6?
Yes. 1.5919 is the material number and 15CrNi6 is the grade designation for the same steel in EN 10084, previously listed in DIN 17210. Either name can be used on a purchase order.
What is the chemical composition of 1.5919?
To EN 10084: carbon 0.14–0.19 %, silicon max 0.40 %, manganese 0.40–0.60 %, phosphorus max 0.025 %, sulphur max 0.035 %, chromium 1.40–1.70 % and nickel 1.40–1.70 %, balance iron. A typical mill analysis is about 0.15 C, 0.25 Si, 0.50 Mn, 1.55 Cr, 1.55 Ni.
What is the American equivalent of 1.5919?
The closest American grade is SAE 3115 and the French equivalent is AFNOR 16NC6. SAE 3115 is a near equivalent and the chemistry limits are not identical, so we recommend ordering to EN 10084 15CrNi6 and confirming the analysis window on the order.
What is the difference between 1.5919 and 1.5918?
1.5918 is 17CrNi6-6 and 1.5919 is 15CrNi6. Both carry about 1.5 % chromium and 1.5 % nickel. 17CrNi6-6 has slightly higher carbon, which gives more core strength and hardenability in larger sections. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal forges both grades.
What hardness does 1.5919 reach after carburizing?
Typically 58–62 HRC at the surface after carburizing at 880–980 °C, hardening and tempering at 150–200 °C. Core hardness is usually 30–40 HRC. Core tensile strength is at least 1200 N/mm² up to 16 mm, 1100 N/mm² from 16 to 40 mm and 900 N/mm² from 40 to 100 mm ruling section.
Does 1.5919 need annealing after forging?
Yes. The 1.5 % chromium and 1.5 % nickel content makes 1.5919 sensitive to hydrogen flaking, so a controlled post-forge annealing or normalising cycle is applied to every piece. It removes diffusible hydrogen, refines the grain and leaves a machinable structure ahead of carburizing.
What 1.5919 forged products does Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal supply?
Open-die forged round, square, flat and hexagonal bars, seamless rolled rings and forged rings, hollow bars, sleeves, bushings, cylinders and housings, discs, blocks and plates, and gear shafts, pinion shafts, spindles, bevel gear blanks and crown wheel blanks, all forged to customer drawing at the factory in Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China.
What documents come with the forgings?
An EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate covering heat number, ladle analysis, heat treatment record and mechanical results. Ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, grain size, hardenability testing and third-party witness inspection can be added on request.
How do I request a quotation?
Email a drawing or dimensions, quantity, delivery condition and testing requirements to sales@steelforgepieces.com, or call +86 189 2135 9659. Quotations are normally returned within one working day.
Related grades and forged products
Case hardening and alloy steels
- 18CrNiMo7-6
- 17CrNiMo6
- 1.6587
- AISI 4820
- AISI 4317
- 820M17
- 822M17
- 18NCD6
- AISI 4340
- 42CrMo4
- AISI 4140
- 34CrMo4