Both are carburizing gear steels; 8620 uses Ni-Mo for core toughness (American practice), 16MnCr5 uses Mn-Cr (European practice). Case properties are comparable.

Grades · Alloy & Engineering Steel · 8620

8620

Data verified

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.

DIN1.6523 (21NiCrMo2-2)

AISI8620

JISSNCM220

CategoryAlloy & Engineering Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	0.18–0.23
Si	0.15–0.35
Mn	0.70–0.90
Cr	0.40–0.60
Ni	0.40–0.70
Mo	0.15–0.25

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

Properties

Case hardness (carburized)	58–63 HRC
Core tensile	700–950 MPa
Density	7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Carburize 900–930 °C; quench 820–860 °C oil; temper 150–200 °C.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	1.6523 (21NiCrMo2-2)
aisi	8620
jis	SNCM220
gb	20CrNiMo

Compare side by side: 8620 vs 20MnCr5

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

Applications & Processing

Applications: Gears, pinions, camshafts, transmission parts, bushings.

Processing: Machines well before carburizing; finish-grind after. Control case depth 0.5–1.5 mm typical.

FAQ

8620 vs 16MnCr5?: Both are carburizing gear steels; 8620 uses Ni-Mo for core toughness (American practice), 16MnCr5 uses Mn-Cr (European practice). Case properties are comparable.

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Source: SAE J404 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.