EN3B Alloy Steel Bar EN 3B Round Bars EN3B Rods

Product Description

EN3B (BS 970: 1991 080A15) is a general-purpose, low-carbon mild steel. It is specifically designed for applications where high strength is not the primary requirement, but excellent machinability and weldability are essential.

While often referred to as "alloy steel" in commercial listings, it is technically a non-alloy carbon steel (mild steel).

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition (%)

International Equivalents

EN3B is a British Standard (BS) designation. When sourcing in other regions, look for these equivalents:

• British Standard (BS 970): 080A15 / 070M20

• AISI/SAE (USA): 1020

• WNr (Germany): 1.0402 / 1.1151 (C22E)

• AFNOR (France): XC18

• JIS (Japan): S20C

Key Characteristics

1. Machinability: EN3B is very easy to machine, making it a "workhorse" for high-volume production of small parts.

2. Weldability: It has excellent welding properties using standard methods (MIG, TIG, Arc) without the need for pre- or post-heating in most cases.

3. Forming: Highly suitable for cold forming and bending.

4. Case Hardening: While it has low core strength, it is an excellent candidate for carburizing (case hardening). This allows the part to have a hard, wear-resistant outer shell while maintaining a ductile, tough core.

Common Available Formats

• Round Bars: Available as "Bright Drawn" (with a smooth finish and tight tolerances) or "Hot Rolled" (black finish).

• Rods: Often used for threaded rods, studs, and wire applications.

• Shapes: Frequently stocked in flats, squares, and hexagons due to its popularity in general fabrication.

Common Applications

• Fasteners: Bolts, nuts, and screws where high tensile strength isn't required.

• Mechanical Components: Light-duty shafts, rollers, spacers, and pins.

• General Engineering: Base plates, brackets, and jigs.

• Automotive: Low-stress components and interior linkages.

Heat Treatment Guidance

• Forging: 900°C – 1200°C.

• Normalizing: 880°C – 910°C.

• Annealing: 880°C – 910°C followed by furnace cooling.

• Carburizing (Case Hardening): 880°C – 930°C.