> Source page: https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/EN26.html
> Publisher: Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd., open-die forging factory, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China.

# EN26 steel forgings (826M40)

Forged bars, seamless rolled rings, shafts, blocks and sleeves in 2.5 % Ni-Cr-Mo high-tensile steel. Made to order by Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd.

- **Grade:** `EN26` / `826M40`
- **Standard:** BS 970-1:1983 / BS 970-3:1991
- **Material number:** `1.6745`
- **Steel type:** Through-hardening Ni-Cr-Mo alloy
- **Tensile range:** 850 – 1,550 N/mm²
- **Supplied condition:** Quenched & tempered (U, V, W, X, Y, Z)

**EN26 is a 2.5 % nickel–chromium–molybdenum through-hardening alloy steel**, designated `826M40` under BS 970-1:1983 and still widely called EN26 from the superseded BS 970:1955 standard. The 2.5 % nickel content gives it deeper hardenability than 4140 or 4340, so it keeps its strength further into the core of a heavy section.

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. is an open-die forging factory in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China. The works forges EN26 / 826M40 to customer drawings: round, square, flat and hex bars, hollow bars and sleeves, seamless rolled rings, discs and blocks, gear shafts, spindles, axles and torsion bars. Every piece ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate covering chemical analysis, mechanical test results and ultrasonic inspection.

## EN26 at a glance

- **Composition:** 0.36–0.44 % C, 2.30–2.80 % Ni, 0.50–0.80 % Cr, 0.45–0.65 % Mo.
- **Most common condition:** Condition V (1,000–1,150 N/mm² tensile, 293–352 HB) and Condition W (1,075–1,225 N/mm², 311–375 HB).
- **Forging temperature:** 1,150–1,200 °C; never forge below 850 °C; cool slowly after forging.
- **Surface hardening:** flame or induction hardening to above 50 HRC; nitriding to about 60 HRC at 490–530 °C.
- **Choose EN26 over 4340 when** the section is heavy and the required tensile strength is more than 4140, 4340 or EN25 will hold through-thickness.
- **Not a welding grade.** High carbon and alloy content make EN26 unsuitable for routine fabrication welding.

## Chemical composition of EN26 (826M40)

The chemical composition of EN26 steel is specified by BS 970-1:1983 for grade 826M40. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal melts to the ladle analysis below and reports the product analysis on every certificate.

*EN26 / 826M40 chemical composition, weight %, to BS 970-1:1983*

| Element | Symbol | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 0.36 | 0.44 |
| Silicon | Si | 0.10 | 0.35 |
| Manganese | Mn | 0.45 | 0.70 |
| Nickel | Ni | 2.30 | 2.80 |
| Chromium | Cr | 0.50 | 0.80 |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| Phosphorus | P | — | 0.035 |
| Sulphur | S | — | 0.040 |
| Iron | Fe | Balance |  |

Tighter residual limits, restricted P and S, or vacuum degassing can be specified at order stage. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal supplies EN26 to a customer-restricted analysis when the application calls for it.

## EN26 mechanical properties by condition

EN26 is supplied hardened and tempered to a lettered condition. The letter fixes the tensile range; the higher the letter, the higher the strength and the lower the impact toughness. Condition V and Condition W are the two most commonly ordered.

*EN26 / 826M40 typical mechanical properties, quenched and tempered, subject to ruling section*

| Condition | Tensile strength N/mm² | Yield strength N/mm² min | Elongation % min | Izod impact J min | Hardness HB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 925 – 1,075 | 755 | 12 | 42 | 269 – 331 |
| V | 1,000 – 1,150 | 850 | 12 | 42 | 293 – 352 |
| W | 1,075 – 1,225 | 940 | 11 | 35 | 311 – 375 |
| X | 1,150 – 1,300 | 1,020 | 10 | 28 | 341 – 401 |
| Y | 1,225 – 1,375 | 1,095 | 10 | 21 | 363 – 429 |
| Z | 1,550 min | 1,235 | 5 | 9 | 444 min |

Condition V corresponds to roughly 31–38 HRC. Achievable properties depend on the ruling section, so the section size has to be stated on the enquiry. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal qualifies the heat treatment against the actual forged section rather than a nominal bar diameter.

## EN26 equivalent grades and cross-reference

EN26 and 826M40 are the same steel: EN26 is the old BS 970:1955 designation, and 826M40 replaced it in BS 970-1:1983. Grades from other national standards listed below are nearest equivalents rather than drop-in substitutions. Nickel content in particular differs.

*EN26 / 826M40 nearest international equivalents*

| Standard | Designation | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| BS 970:1955 (UK, superseded) | EN26 | Same steel, original designation |
| BS 970-1:1983 / BS 970-3:1991 (UK) | 826M40 | Same steel, current designation |
| Werkstoff-Nr. (Germany) | 1.6745 | Nearest; also cited as 1.6747 |
| DIN (Germany) | 40NiCrMo8-4 / 40NiMoCr10-5 | Nearest |
| EN 10083-3 (Europe) | 34CrNiMo6 (1.6582) | Nearest EN grade, lower C and Ni |
| AISI / SAE (USA) | 4340, 4337 | Nearest US grade; 1.65–2.00 % Ni against 2.30–2.80 % in EN26 |
| JIS G4103 (Japan) | SNCM439 | Nearest |
| GB/T 3077 (China) | 40CrNi2MoA | Nearest |

### EN26 vs EN24 vs AISI 4340

Buyers most often compare EN26 with EN24 (817M40) and AISI 4340. All three are Ni-Cr-Mo through-hardening steels. The difference is how much strength each can carry through a heavy section.

*Comparison of EN26, EN24 and AISI 4340*

| Property | EN26 (826M40) | EN24 (817M40) | AISI 4340 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon % | 0.36 – 0.44 | 0.36 – 0.44 | 0.38 – 0.43 |
| Nickel % | 2.30 – 2.80 | 1.30 – 1.70 | 1.65 – 2.00 |
| Molybdenum % | 0.45 – 0.65 | 0.20 – 0.35 | 0.20 – 0.30 |
| Usual tensile range | 850 – 1,550 N/mm² | 850 – 1,225 N/mm² | Approx. 850 – 1,280 N/mm² |
| Hardenability in heavy sections | Highest of the three | Good | Good |
| Best suited to | Large sections needing high surface pressure resistance | General high-tensile shafts and gears | General aerospace and transmission parts |

Specify EN26 when the part is large and the strength requirement goes beyond what EN24 or 4340 will hold. The extra nickel and molybdenum also let EN26 be tempered in the 300–550 °C range without serious loss of impact values, and it keeps useful mechanical properties at low temperature.

## Forging and heat treatment of EN26

### Forging temperature and practice

EN26 is preheated slowly, then raised to 1,150–1,200 °C and soaked until the section is uniformly heated. Forging must stop before the workpiece falls below 850 °C. After forging the piece is cooled slowly. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal cools EN26 forgings in the furnace or under insulation to avoid cracking in the as-forged state.

### Heat treatment parameters

*EN26 heat treatment parameters*

| Operation | Temperature | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Forging | 1,150 – 1,200 °C | Preheat carefully, soak through section, do not forge below 850 °C, cool slowly. |
| Annealing | 790 – 840 °C | Heat slowly, hold until temperature is uniform through the section, cool in the furnace. |
| Hardening | 820 – 850 °C | Soak 10–15 minutes per 25 mm of section, quench in oil, water or polymer. Temper immediately while still hand-warm. |
| Tempering | 450 – 660 °C | Soak 1 hour per 25 mm of section, cool in still air. Avoid 250–450 °C because of temper brittleness. |
| Stress relieving | 640 – 660 °C | Soak 1 hour per 25 mm of section, cool in still air. |
| Flame / induction hardening | 820 – 850 °C | Heat rapidly to case depth, quench in oil or water, then temper at 150–200 °C. Case hardness above 50 HRC. |
| Nitriding | 490 – 530 °C | Slow cool, no quench. Surface hardness up to about 60 HRC with minimal distortion. |

**Two limits to watch.** Tempering EN26 between 250 °C and 450 °C should be avoided because of temper brittleness. And nickel resists nitrogen diffusion, so a nickel-bearing steel such as EN26 needs a longer nitriding cycle than a dedicated nitriding grade like 905M39, or the case hardness comes out lower.

Nitriding is carried out below the original tempering temperature, so core tensile strength is normally unaffected and distortion is small. Parts can be machined close to final size before nitriding, leaving only a grinding allowance.

## EN26 forged product forms we manufacture

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal produces EN26 / 826M40 forgings in the following forms, all made to customer drawings or dimensional specifications rather than held as fixed stock sizes.

*EN26 forged product forms and typical size ranges*

| Category | Products | Typical size range |
|---|---|---|
| Forged bars | Round bars, square bars, rectangular and flat bars, hexagonal bars | 80 – 1,200 mm diameter or thickness; up to 12,000 mm long |
| Hollow sections | Hollow bars, sleeves, bushes and bushings, forged pipe and tube, barrels, casings, shells, cylinders, hubs, housings | 200 – 2,500 mm outside diameter |
| Rings | Seamless rolled rings, forged rings, retaining rings, flange rings | 200 – 4,000 mm outside diameter |
| Flat forgings | Blocks, discs, disks, plates, die blocks | Up to 3,000 mm across |
| Shafts | Gear shafts, pinion shafts, spindles, motor shafts, hydraulic shafts, stepped shafts, axles | Up to 12,000 mm long |
| Machine components | Connecting rods, die holders, pins, rams, rolls, sockets, tool holders, torsion bars | To drawing |

Surface condition can be as-forged (black), heat treated and shot blasted, rough machined with a machining allowance, or finish machined to drawing.

## What EN26 steel is used for

EN26 is used across most industrial sectors where a part needs higher tensile and yield strength than 4140, 4340 or EN25 can deliver, and where the section is large enough that hardenability governs the choice. Resistance to high surface pressure is the other common reason for specifying it.

*Typical EN26 applications by sector*

| Sector | Typical EN26 components |
|---|---|
| Power transmission | Heavy-duty gears, pinions, gear shafts, differential shafts, transmission shafts |
| Oil and gas | Drilling components, mandrels, high-strength studs and bolts, pressure-containing shafts |
| Heavy machinery | Crankshafts, connecting rods, push rods, hydraulic shafts, rams, rolls, torsion bars |
| Tooling and dies | Die holders, die blocks, mandrel bars for tube manufacture, tool holders |
| Mining | Winder parts, brake pins, tie rods and tie rod ends, turnbuckles |
| Aerospace and defence | Undercarriage parts, airframe and engine components, ordnance parts, gun barrels and breech mechanisms |
| Electrical and turbine | Electric motor shafts, turbine discs, spindle gears, cams |

## Our EN26 forging capability

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. operates as an open-die forging factory at No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China. EN26 forgings are produced in-house from ingot or continuous-cast billet through forging, heat treatment, machining and inspection.

*EN26 open-die forging capability at Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal*

| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Single-piece weight | 5 kg – 20,000 kg |
| Forging ratio | 4:1 minimum; higher on request for critical parts |
| Melting route | EAF + LF + VD; ESR available for critical applications |
| Heat treatment | Annealing, normalising, quenching and tempering, stress relieving, in computer-controlled furnaces with recorded charts |
| Non-destructive testing | Ultrasonic to EN 10228-3, ASTM A388 or SEP 1921; MPI to ASTM E1444 on request |
| Mechanical testing | Tensile, yield, elongation, reduction of area, Charpy or Izod impact, Brinell hardness |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 as standard; 3.2 with third-party witness (SGS, BV, TÜV, Lloyd's) on request |
| Quality system | ISO 9001 |
| Machining | Rough turning, finish turning, boring, milling, drilling and grinding |
| Minimum order | 1 piece for prototypes and single spares |
| Typical lead time | 25 – 45 days depending on size, heat treatment and machining scope |

Sample and single-piece orders are accepted, which helps when an EN26 part is a one-off replacement rather than a production run.

## Request an EN26 forging quotation

Send a drawing, or just the grade, dimensions, quantity and required condition. Quotations are normally returned within 24 hours on working days.

- **Email:** [sales@steelforgepieces.com](mailto:sales@steelforgepieces.com?subject=EN26%20826M40%20forging%20enquiry)
- **Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat:** [+86 189 2135 9659](tel:+8618921359659)
- **Factory address:** No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China

[Email your EN26 enquiry](mailto:sales@steelforgepieces.com?subject=EN26%20826M40%20forging%20enquiry)

## Frequently asked questions about EN26 steel

### What is EN26 steel?

EN26 is a 2.5 % nickel–chromium–molybdenum high-tensile alloy steel with high hardenability, normally supplied hardened and tempered. It contains 0.36–0.44 % carbon, 2.30–2.80 % nickel, 0.50–0.80 % chromium and 0.45–0.65 % molybdenum. It holds high strength and toughness in very large sections, which suits it to parts working under high surface pressure.

### Is EN26 the same as 826M40?

Yes. EN26 and 826M40 are the same steel under two different British Standard designations. EN26 comes from BS 970:1955, which was superseded; 826M40 is the designation in BS 970-1:1983 and BS 970-3:1991. The old EN26 name is still in common use in the trade, and orders placed against either designation are filled with the same material.

### What is the equivalent of EN26 steel?

The closest equivalents to EN26 are 826M40 in the UK, material number 1.6745 in the German Werkstoff system, 40NiCrMo8-4 in DIN, SNCM439 in JIS and 40CrNi2MoA in GB/T 3077. AISI 4340 is the nearest American grade but carries only 1.65–2.00 % nickel against EN26's 2.30–2.80 %, so it does not have the same hardenability in heavy sections. These are nearest equivalents rather than direct substitutions and should be confirmed against the application before switching.

### Is EN26 stronger than 4340?

In heavy sections, yes. Both grades reach similar tensile strengths in small test pieces, but EN26's higher nickel and molybdenum content gives it deeper hardenability, so it holds its properties further into the core of a large forging. EN26 is used specifically where a part requires higher tensile and yield strength than 4140, 4340 or EN25 can provide at the section size involved.

### What is EN26 Condition V and Condition W?

Condition V and Condition W are hardened-and-tempered strength classes. EN26 in Condition V has a tensile strength of 1,000–1,150 N/mm², a minimum yield of 850 N/mm² and a hardness of 293–352 HB, roughly 31–38 HRC. Condition W is one step higher at 1,075–1,225 N/mm² tensile, 940 N/mm² minimum yield and 311–375 HB. Achievable properties depend on the ruling section, so the section size should be stated when ordering.

### What is the forging temperature for EN26?

EN26 is preheated carefully and then forged from 1,150–1,200 °C. Forging must stop before the workpiece drops below 850 °C, and the piece should be cooled slowly after forging to avoid cracking. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal furnace-cools or insulation-cools EN26 forgings as standard practice.

### Can EN26 be nitrided?

Yes. EN26 in the hardened and tempered condition can be nitrided at 490–530 °C followed by slow cooling, giving a surface hardness up to about 60 HRC with little distortion. Because nickel resists nitrogen diffusion, EN26 needs a longer nitriding cycle than a dedicated nitriding steel, or the case hardness will be lower. Core tensile strength is generally unaffected, since the nitriding temperature is below the original tempering temperature.

### Can EN26 be welded?

EN26 is not recommended for routine welding. Its carbon and alloy content give a high carbon equivalent, which makes it prone to hydrogen cracking in the heat-affected zone. Where welding cannot be avoided, it requires low-hydrogen consumables, substantial preheat, controlled interpass temperature and post-weld heat treatment, and the joint should be qualified for the specific application.

### What sizes of EN26 forgings can you supply?

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal supplies EN26 forgings from 5 kg to 20,000 kg per piece: forged bars from 80 to 1,200 mm diameter, seamless rolled rings from 200 to 4,000 mm outside diameter, and shafts up to 12,000 mm long. Parts are made to drawing rather than sold from fixed stock sizes, and single-piece orders are accepted for prototypes and spares.

### Do you supply mill certificates with EN26 forgings?

Yes. Every EN26 forging from Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate covering the chemical analysis, mechanical test results, heat treatment record and ultrasonic inspection report. EN 10204 3.2 certification with third-party witness by SGS, BV, TÜV or Lloyd's is available on request.

## Related alloy steel grades we forge

- [AISI 4340 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/AISI-4340.html)
- [EN24 / 817M40 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/817M40.html)
- [34CrNiMo6 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/34CrNiMo6.html)
- [1.6582 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/1.6582.html)
- [1.6745 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/1.6745.html)
- [AISI 4140 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/AISI-4140.html)
- [42CrMo4 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/42CrMo4.html)
- [SNCM439 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/SNCM439.html)
- [30NiCrMo8 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/30NiCrMo8.html)
- [40NiCrMo6 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/40NiCrMo6.html)
- [18CrNiMo7-6 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/18CrNiMo7-6.html)
- [AISI 8630 forgings](https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Alloy-Steel/AISI-8630.html)

## Standards and revision record

Composition and mechanical property data on this page are taken from BS 970-1:1983 and BS 970-3:1991 for grade 826M40, cross-checked against published mill datasheets. Values are typical and subject to ruling section. The certified values for any specific order are those on the mill certificate supplied with the goods.

Published by Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd., open-die forging factory, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China. Last reviewed: 3 September 2026.

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## Supplier

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. - open-die forging factory
No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China
Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 189 2135 9659
Email: sales@steelforgepieces.com
Web: https://www.steelforgepieces.com/