4118 vs 8620
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
4118
Alloy & Engineering Steel
4118 is a low carbon Cr-Mo carburizing steel, the economy case-hardening grade of the 41xx family. Its small molybdenum addition gives a stronger, tougher core than plain chromium case steels such as 5120.
Standards: DIN 20CrMo4 type (near) · AISI 4118 · JIS SCM418 · GB 20CrMo
8620
Alloy & Engineering Steel
8620 is the standard carburizing (case-hardening) gear steel of the Americas: a low-carbon Ni-Cr-Mo grade that forms a hard wear-resistant case over a tough core.
Standards: DIN 1.6523 (21NiCrMo2-2) · AISI 8620 · JIS SNCM220 · GB 20CrNiMo
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 4118 | 8620 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.18–0.23 | 0.18–0.23 |
| Si | 0.15–0.35 | 0.15–0.35 |
| Mn | 0.70–0.90 | 0.70–0.90 |
| P | ≤0.035 | — |
| S | ≤0.040 | — |
| Cr | 0.40–0.60 | 0.40–0.60 |
| Mo | 0.08–0.15 | 0.15–0.25 |
| Ni | — | 0.40–0.70 |
Properties compared
| Property | 4118 | 8620 |
|---|---|---|
| Case hardness (carburized) | 58–62 HRC | 58–63 HRC |
| Core tensile strength | 650–900 MPa (typ.) | — |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Core tensile | — | 700–950 MPa |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 4118 · 8620. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.