When looking for the right material, it is important to break down what makes up each medium to understand its qualities and benefits. Therefore, to find a material appropriate to your desired application, you need to understand its capabilities. Once you have identified the strength and weaknesses of each material, EN8 vs EN9, you can make an accurate decision on which steel grade is right for you.
In this blog, we will explain the differences between EN8 vs EN9 steel. In addition, we will provide as much information as possible to help you make the best decision for your future steel project.
What Is EN8 Steel?
EN8 is a medium-strength carbon steel primarily used in automotive and mechanical applications. The carbon content of this steel is between 0.35-0.45%, giving it the qualities of medium tensile strength. EN8 steel is supplied in an untreated condition, also referred to as a normalised condition, which makes it easier for you to tailor the material to your exact requirements. This steel bar can be flame or induction hardened to reach a surface hardness of 50-55HRC. Although this has moderate wear resistance, it has incredible metallurgic structures, providing a property that can be easily machined in any condition.
The British standard classification of EN8 medium-strength carbon steel is BS970, most commonly known as 080M40. It is recognised as Steel Grade 40, which is a highly structural material better used in engineering and construction applications. Other common names for this steel are C45 (EU), 1040 steel (USA), 45 (China), S40C (Japan) and ISO68318.
Compared to bright mild steel, EN8 contains superior tensile strength resulting from the thermo-mechanical rolling process. Overall, this steel is one of the best materials for applications that require stronger properties than mild steel at a cost-effective solution.
Chemical Composition Of EN8 Steel
| Element | Content (%) |
| C | 0.36-0.44 |
| Mn | 0.60-1.00 |
| Si | 0.05-0.35 |
| P | 0.015-0.06 |
| S | 0.015-0.06 |
Contact Sheffield Gauge Plate for more information and a detailed review of our EN8 steel stock.
EN8 Steel Mechanical Properties
| Condition | Normalised | Hardened & Tempered |
| Tensile Strength (Mpa) | >540 | >620-700 |
| Yield Strength (Mpa) | >280-540 | >435-495 |
| Hardness (HBW) | 157-207 | 179-255 |
Applications Of EN8 Steel
EN8 is popularly applied in industries which require more robust qualities than regular mild steel. This is generally for automotive and engineering applications, and some of the more common uses include:
- Connecting Rods
- Axles
- Spindles
- Bolts
- Screws
- Rollers
- Paint Scrapers
- Studs
- Knives
- Bolts.
This material is cost-efficient and affordable, making it extremely popular amongst knifemakers and the DIY community. Our EN8 is manufactured in a pre-machined steel bar that can be hardened to develop a higher tensile strength.
What Is EN9 Steel?
EN9 steel is known as Steel Grade 55, produced with the requirements of GOST 1050 and DSTU 7809. This is a quality structural steel with a high carbon level content. It is mainly supplied in untreated and normalised conditions; however, it has the capability to be hardened by quenching and tempering. This particular steel quality has excellent wear resistance; however, it has limited weldability.
The British Standard classification of this unalloyed medium steel is BS970, also known as 070M55. In other countries, EN9 steel is known as 1050 (USA), C55 (Germany), S55C (Japan), 55 (China) and AF70C55/C54 (France).
In summary, EN9 steel is best applied to moving parts that require stronger wear resistance. Furthermore, as this material contains a higher level of carbon, it has increased yield strength and ultimate strength.
Chemical Composition Of EN9 Steel
| Element | Content (%) |
| C | 0.50-0.60 |
| Mn | 0.50-0.90 |
| Si | 0.10-0.40 |
| P | Max 0.05 |
| S | Max 0.05 |
Call (+44)114 233 5291 to find out more about EN9 steel.
EN9 Steel Mechanical Properties
| Condition | Normalised | Hardened & Tempered |
| Tensile Strength (Mpa) | >695 | >695-850 |
| Yield Strength (Mpa) | >280-540 | >465-555 |
| Hardness (HBW) | 201-255 | 201-302 |
Applications Of EN9 Steel
EN9 is most commonly used in general engineering implementation, requiring a tough wear resistance with higher strength. The most common applications of EN9 steel include the following:
- Gears
- Cylinders
- Sprockets
- Knives
- Crankshafts
- Sickles
- Shafts
- Hammers
- Wood Working Drills
- Axes
- Screws
What Is The Difference Between EN8 And EN9?
To conclude, we cannot tell you which steel is better, as it all depends on your desired application and the exact qualities you are looking for. However, EN8 vs EN9 are very similar steels in their properties, chemical compositions and applications. Although EN9 contains a higher carbon content giving it a higher tensile strength than EN8, the difference is minimal.
Moreover, although there are some slight differences between EN8 steel and EN9 steel, they are both applied to the same projects due to their incredible similarities. These affordable solutions to medium carbon steel make it suitable for many general engineering components and automotive applications. To ensure you purchase the highest quality steel suitable for your project, we recommend buying it from a trustworthy supplier with extensive industry knowledge and materials.
Here at Sheffield Gauge Plate, we stock EN8 medium carbon steel in various sizes of pre-machined steel bars. We also stock a wide variety of other tool steel grades if EN8 does not possess the qualities which you require for your project.
Please contact us today and speak to a steel expert for guidance on purchasing the correct steel grade for your desired application. Call us at (+44)114 233 5291 for professional advice and prices on our steel stock.