Grades · Carbon Steel · 1541

1541

Data verified

1541 upgrades 1040-class carbon with high manganese, the cheapest way to buy hardenability in a plain steel. It is widely used for axles, shafts and bolts in North American bar programs.

AISI1541
JISSMn438 family (near)
GB40Mn (near)
CategoryCarbon Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C0.36–0.44
Mn1.35–1.65
P≤0.040
S≤0.050

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Tensile strength600–720 MPa (normalized, typ.)
Density7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Normalize 850–880 °C; quench 840 °C water/oil; better section response than 1045 thanks to manganese.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
aisi1541
jisSMn438 family (near)
gb40Mn (near)

Compare side by side: 1541 vs 1045 · 1541 vs 1524

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Axles, shafts, bolts and studs, forged parts, agricultural components.

Processing: Machines well; induction hardening effective; weld with preheat 200 °C.

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Source: SAE J403 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.