European forging steels are distinguished by the carbon content that creates different levels of hardenability. European standards for alloying elements are not only determined by chemical composition, but are also dependent on the desired application of the steel part.
Soft Steel
Soft steels have a carbon content of less than 0.25% and are mostly used for low- to medium-strength components. Soft steels, such as EN 3A, are typically used for rods and bolts, for which parts that need to be stamped and bent.
Medium-Carbon Steels
Medium-carbon steels contain 0.25 to 0.50 percent carbon and are used where strength, hardness, and wear resistance need to be combined. Alloy content will be determined by the intended application, Mechanical properties depend on how hardened and tempered the steel is. Commonly used medium-carbon alloys are EN 8, EN 9, EN 16, EN 19 and EN 24.
High-Carbon
High-carbon steels contain 0.50 to 1.00 percent carbon and are primarily used for parts and components subject to shock and wear. Alloy content in high-carbon steels is higher than in medium-carbon steels and depends on the intended application. Parts made from high-carbon steels will be extremely hard and brittle, and heat-treatment will be necessary to provide greater strength. Commonly used alloys are EN 40, EN 40B, EN 42, EN 43, EN 353 and EN 362.
Tool Steel
Tool steel alloys contain higher carbon content than medium- and high-carbon steels, and exhibit improved resistance to wear and heat. Tool steel is hard enough to cut most materials and maintain a sharp cutting edge. Tool steel alloys are more expensive than other grades of steel and are typically used for producing specialized parts and components. Commonly used alloys are EN 48, EN 49, EN 50 and EN 51.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel alloys are distinguished by the presence of other elements, such as chromium and nickel, which enable the steel to resist corrosion. Stainless steels are also used for parts and components subject to shock and wear and are the only type of steel which can be used in contact with foodstuffs. Commonly used stainless steel alloys are EN 58, EN 59 and EN 60.
European steel standards are dependent on the intended application of the steel part and the required characteristics of the part. Different grades of steel have different levels of hardness, strength, ductility, and resistance to wear and corrosion. High-carbon steels and tool steels are typically used for parts subject to shock and wear and stainless steels for parts which may be exposed to foodstuffs or corrosive environments.
