38XC

38XC Alloy Steel Product Overview

38XC Alloy Steel is a low-alloy, chromium-silicon structural steel, equivalent to C35E (EN 1.1181) or approximately SAE 1035 in AISI standards. It is designed for applications requiring moderate strength, good toughness, and excellent machinability. Typically supplied in the annealed or normalised condition (hardness ~170–229 HB), 38XC can achieve a surface hardness of 50–55 HRC after quenching and tempering or case hardening. Its chromium and silicon content enhances strength and wear resistance, making it suitable for structural and mechanical components in various industries. The steel is produced using processes like EAF+LF+VD or ESR for high purity and structural integrity.

Applications

38XC is used in applications requiring moderate strength, toughness, and wear resistance, particularly in structural and mechanical components:

Industrial Applications:

• Shafts, axles, and spindles for machinery and vehicles.
• Gears, pinions, and connecting rods.
• Bolts, nuts, and fasteners for power generation and mechanical systems.

Structural Components:

• Turbine fasteners and boiler support rods in power generation.
• Structural parts in ships, vehicles, and railway systems.
• Components for bridges and pressure vessels.

Other Uses:

• Machine tool parts, such as valve rods and main axes.
• Mechanical components with larger cross-sections, like multi-diameter shafts.
• General-purpose engineering parts requiring good machinability.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of 38XC provides its strength, toughness, and machinability:

• Chromium (Cr): Enhances strength, hardenability, and wear resistance.
• Silicon (Si): Improves strength and elasticity.
• Manganese (Mn): Contributes to toughness and hardenability.
• Carbon (C): Provides moderate hardness while maintaining ductility.
• Nickel (Ni), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu): Limited to ensure the steel remains a low-alloy grade.

Supply Size

38XC is available in various forms and sizes to meet industrial requirements:

• Round Bars:
  Diameter 16 mm to 700 mm.
• Flat Bars:
  Minimum: 10 mm thickness x 80 mm width.
  Maximum: 500 mm thickness x 2000 mm width.