EN32 Case Hardening Steel | Properties, Composition & Supplier in UAE 

EN32 steel is a low-carbon, unalloyed case hardening steel specified under the British Standard BS970. It is engineered for components that require a combination of a tough, ductile core and a hard, wear-resistant surface. This unique dual characteristic makes it a primary material for manufacturing high-performance parts in the automotive, engineering, and machining sectors. 

As a leading EN32 steel supplier in the UAE, Nifty Alloys LLC provides certified round bars, flat bars, plates, and custom profiles to meet the rigorous demands of industries across the GCC and global markets. Our commitment is to deliver materials that adhere to strict international standards, complete with full traceability and mill test certification. 

What is EN32 Case Hardening Steel? 

EN32 is a low-carbon steel, typically containing 0.10% to 0.20% carbon, specifically designed for carburizing and subsequent case hardening. The case hardening process fundamentally transforms the material's surface properties without altering its core structure. This is achieved by diffusing carbon into the surface layer at high temperatures, which, after quenching and tempering, creates an exceptionally hard exterior. 

The result is a composite material in a single component: 

• A Hardened Case: The high-carbon surface provides excellent wear resistance, durability, and the ability to withstand abrasion and friction. 
• A Tough Core: The low-carbon inner core remains relatively soft, ductile, and resistant to shock and impact loads. 

This combination makes EN32 steel the ideal choice for manufacturing dynamic components like gears, shafts, cams, and pins, which must endure both surface wear and structural stress during operation. Its reliability and performance are well-established in demanding engineering applications. 

Key Features of EN32 Steel 

EN32 is valued by manufacturers and engineers for a distinct set of features that make it a reliable and cost-effective choice for carburized components. 

• Excellent Machinability: In its as-supplied, low-carbon state, EN32 is soft and easy to machine, allowing for complex geometries to be created with high precision before hardening. 
• Good Weldability: Due to its low carbon content, EN32 can be welded using conventional methods, although welding after carburizing is not recommended as it would compromise the hardened case. 
• Ideal for Case Hardening: The steel is specifically designed to respond predictably to carburizing, consistently achieving high surface hardness and a tough core. 
• High Surface Hardness: Achieves a surface hardness of 60-62 HRC, providing superior wear and abrasion resistance for demanding applications. 
• Good Impact Strength: The unhardened core remains tough and ductile, capable of withstanding shock loads and preventing premature component failure. 
• Cost-Effective Performance: As an unalloyed steel, EN32 provides excellent performance for its price point, making it an economical solution for high-volume production.