China / GB
The primary reference column reflects grades commonly requested or stocked in China for custom CNC machining.
CNC Machining Material Reference
Steel Grade Cross-Reference and China Material Price Guide
Compare 50 commonly machined carbon and alloy steel grades across China GB, USA AISI/SAE/ASTM, Germany EN/DIN and Japan JIS systems. Review practical China budgeting ranges for steel plate, round bar and rough forged stock.
50Common CNC machining steel grades
4National and regional standard systems
3Stock forms: plate, bar and forging
Sep. 2026China price-reference period
How to read the data
Grade equivalents support sourcing decisions, but they are not automatic substitutions
Steel designations from different standards may belong to the same alloy family while using different chemistry limits, mechanical-property requirements, heat-treatment conditions and test rules.
USA / AISI, SAE, ASTM
American references help interpret overseas drawings and RFQs. ASTM structural grades and SAE/AISI chemistry grades serve different purposes.
Germany / EN / DIN
European material numbers and symbolic grades are included where a practical nearest-family comparison is available.
Japan / JIS
JIS references help compare common carbon, chromium, chromium-molybdenum, bearing and spring steel families.
Engineering check required: Before purchasing material, compare the governing standard, full chemical composition, mechanical properties, section size, delivery condition, heat treatment, hardness, NDT requirements and all drawing notes.
China market anchors
Recent wholesale benchmarks and practical purchasing ranges
The following September 11, 2026 benchmarks provide market context. The wider ranges in the 50-grade table are more suitable for small and medium CNC machining orders, cut blanks and mixed specifications.
Q235B plate3.49–3.89RMB/kg benchmark
Q355B plate3.66–3.94RMB/kg benchmark
45# special steel3.46–3.68RMB/kg benchmark
40Cr special steel3.75–3.90RMB/kg benchmark
42CrMo special steel4.84–5.63RMB/kg benchmark
20CrMnTi≈ 4.12RMB/kg benchmark
Budget with gross blank weight, not finished-part weight. Saw cutting, flame or waterjet cutting, machining allowance, minimum-order quantity, tax, freight, heat treatment, material certificates and testing can change the purchased cost.
50-grade comparison database
GB, AISI/SAE/ASTM, EN/DIN and JIS steel grade comparison
Search a grade such as 1045, 4140, 5140, 8620, 52100, 40Cr or 42CrMo. You can also filter the table by steel family.
50 grades shown
| No. | Steel category | China / GB grade | USA grade | Germany / EN / DIN | Japan / JIS | Plate reference | Bar reference | Forged-stock reference | Common CNC machined parts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carbon structural steel | Q235B | ASTM A36 (approx.) | S235JR / St37-2 (approx.) | SS400 (approx.) | 3.6–4.6 | 3.8–5.0 | 5.0–7.0 | Base plates, brackets, frames, simple flanges, housings |
| 2 | Low-alloy structural steel | Q355B | ASTM A572 Gr.50 (approx.) | S355JR (approx.) | SM490A (approx.) | 3.8–5.2 | 4.1–5.6 | 5.5–7.8 | Frames, support plates, heavy brackets, large flanges |
| 3 | Quality carbon steel | 10 | SAE/AISI 1010 | C10E / C10 | S10C | 4.0–5.2 | 4.0–5.3 | 5.2–7.2 | Pins, sleeves, stamped-machined parts, low-load shafts |
| 4 | Quality carbon steel | 15 | SAE/AISI 1015 | C15E / C15 | S15C | 4.0–5.3 | 4.1–5.4 | 5.3–7.4 | Pins, bushings, small shafts, fastener parts |
| 5 | Quality carbon steel | 20 | SAE/AISI 1020 | C22E / C22 | S20C | 4.1–5.4 | 4.1–5.5 | 5.4–7.5 | Shafts, sleeves, flanges, hydraulic fittings, pins |
| 6 | Quality carbon steel | 25 | SAE/AISI 1025 | C25E | S25C | 4.2–5.5 | 4.2–5.6 | 5.5–7.7 | Pins, shafts, connectors, threaded parts |
| 7 | Quality carbon steel | 30 | SAE/AISI 1030 | C30E | S30C | 4.2–5.6 | 4.3–5.7 | 5.6–7.8 | Shafts, connecting rods, hubs, machine parts |
| 8 | Quality carbon steel | 35 | SAE/AISI 1035 | C35E | S35C | 4.3–5.7 | 4.3–5.8 | 5.7–8.0 | Shafts, pins, connecting rods, bolts |
| 9 | Quality carbon steel | 40 | SAE/AISI 1040 | C40E | S40C | 4.3–5.8 | 4.4–5.9 | 5.8–8.1 | Shafts, gears, hubs, rollers |
| 10 | Quality carbon steel | 45 | SAE/AISI 1045 | C45 / C45E | S45C | 4.2–5.6 | 4.0–5.5 | 5.8–8.2 | Shafts, flanges, gears, rollers, piston rods, pins |
| 11 | Quality carbon steel | 50 | SAE/AISI 1050 | C50E | S50C | 4.5–6.1 | 4.5–6.2 | 6.1–8.6 | Gears, shafts, wear parts, hubs |
| 12 | Quality carbon steel | 55 | SAE/AISI 1055 | C55E | S55C | 4.6–6.3 | 4.6–6.4 | 6.2–8.8 | High-strength shafts, rollers, hubs, wear parts |
| 13 | Quality carbon steel | 60 | SAE/AISI 1060 | C60E | S58C / S60C (approx.) | 4.7–6.5 | 4.8–6.6 | 6.4–9.0 | Wear parts, spring-type parts, shafts, blades |
| 14 | Spring steel | 65Mn | SAE 1065/1066 (approx.) | 65Mn4 / Ck67 (approx.) | SUP6 (approx.) | 4.8–6.8 | 5.0–7.0 | 6.5–9.2 | Springs, spring clips, wear plates, washers |
| 15 | Free-cutting steel | Y15 / 1215-type | SAE/AISI 1215 | 11SMn30 / 1.0715 (approx.) | SUM22 / SUM23 (approx.) | Limited / quote | 4.5–6.8 | Limited / quote | Fittings, nuts, spacers, pins, threaded inserts, precision turned parts |
| 16 | Free-cutting steel | Y12Pb / 12L14-type | SAE/AISI 12L14 | 11SMnPb30 / 1.0718 (approx.) | SUM24L | Limited / quote | 5.5–8.5 | Limited / quote | Precision turned fittings, bushings, nuts, inserts, fasteners |
| 17 | Free-cutting medium-carbon steel | Y45 / nearest only | SAE/AISI 1144 | 44SMn28 / free-machining medium-carbon family | SUM43 (approx.) | Limited / quote | 5.5–8.5 | 7.5–10.5 | High-strength pins, shafts, studs, bushings |
| 18 | Free-cutting steel | Y15-type (nearest) | 1213/1215 family | 11SMn30 / 1.0715 | SUM22 | Limited / quote | 5.2–7.8 | Limited / quote | Fittings, small shafts, fasteners, connectors |
| 19 | Chromium alloy steel | 20Cr | SAE/AISI 5120 (approx.) | 20Cr4 / 1.7027 (approx.) | SCr420 | 4.5–6.0 | 4.5–6.0 | 6.0–8.5 | Gears, pins, shafts, bushings, small transmission parts |
| 20 | Chromium alloy steel | 40Cr | SAE/AISI 5140 (approx.) | 41Cr4 / 1.7035 | SCr440 | 4.6–6.2 | 4.5–6.0 | 6.3–8.8 | Shafts, gears, spline shafts, connecting rods, sleeves |
| 21 | Chromium alloy steel | 50Cr | SAE/AISI 5150 (approx.) | 50CrV4 family (not exact) | SCr445 / nearest | 5.0–6.8 | 5.1–7.0 | 6.8–9.5 | Heavy shafts, gears, rollers, wear parts |
| 22 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 15CrMo | SAE 4118/4120 family (not exact) | 16Mo3 / 15CrMo-type family | STBA22 / SCM415 family (approx.) | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 | 7.2–10.5 | Pressure parts, flanges, hot-service shafts, pipe fittings |
| 23 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 20CrMo | SAE/AISI 4120 (approx.) | 20CrMo5 / 1.7264 family | SCM420 | 5.5–7.2 | 5.3–7.2 | 7.2–10.0 | Gears, shafts, sprockets, high-load pins |
| 24 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 30CrMo | SAE/AISI 4130 (approx.) | 25CrMo4 / 1.7218 (nearest) | SCM430 | 5.8–7.8 | 5.8–7.8 | 7.8–11.0 | Shafts, structural parts, motorsport components, fixtures |
| 25 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 35CrMo | SAE/AISI 4135 (approx.) | 34CrMo4 / 1.7220 | SCM435 | 6.0–8.0 | 5.8–7.8 | 8.0–11.2 | High-strength shafts, bolts, flanges, connecting rods |
| 26 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 42CrMo | SAE/AISI 4140 (approx.) | 42CrMo4 / 1.7225 | SCM440 | 5.5–7.8 | 5.3–7.5 | 7.5–11.0 | Heavy shafts, gears, flanges, hydraulic parts, tool holders |
| 27 | Heat-resistant alloy steel | 12Cr1MoV | Cr-Mo-V creep-resistant family | 13CrMoV9-10 family (not exact) | Cr-Mo-V heat-resistant family | 6.5–9.0 | 6.5–9.0 | 8.5–12.5 | Hot-service shafts, steam parts, high-temperature fasteners |
| 28 | High-strength Cr-Mo-V steel | 25Cr2MoVA | SAE 4130/4140 modified family (not direct) | 25CrMoV family | Cr-Mo-V family | 8.0–11.5 | 8.0–11.5 | 10.5–15.0 | High-strength bolts, rotors, shafts, pressure fasteners |
| 29 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 42CrMoH / custom equivalent | SAE/AISI 4145H / 4145H Mod | 42CrMo4 modified / oilfield family | SCM445 family | 7.0–10.0 | 7.0–10.0 | 9.0–14.0 | Drill collars, tool joints, heavy shafts, oilfield parts |
| 30 | Chromium-molybdenum steel | 50CrMo / nearest | SAE/AISI 4150 | 50CrMo4 family | SCM445/SCM450 family | 6.8–9.0 | 6.8–9.2 | 9.0–13.0 | High-load shafts, gears, pins, tooling parts |
| 31 | Carburizing gear steel | 20CrMnTi | SAE 8620 family (not direct) | 16MnCr5 / 20MnCr5 family | SCM420H / SNCM family (approx.) | 5.0–6.8 | 4.8–6.5 | 6.8–9.8 | Gears, gear shafts, spline shafts, pinions |
| 32 | Carburizing gear steel | 20CrMnMo | SAE 8620/8822 family (not direct) | 20MnCrMo family | SNCM220 family (approx.) | 6.5–9.0 | 6.5–9.0 | 8.5–12.5 | Large gears, heavy gear shafts, transmission parts |
| 33 | Carburizing gear steel | 16MnCr5 (GB/EN commonly stocked) | SAE 5115/8620 family (nearest) | 16MnCr5 / 1.7131 | SCr415 / SCM415 family (approx.) | 6.0–8.5 | 6.0–8.5 | 8.0–11.5 | Pinions, gears, shafts, cams |
| 34 | Carburizing gear steel | 20MnCr5 (GB/EN commonly stocked) | SAE 5120/8620 family (nearest) | 20MnCr5 / 1.7147 | SCr420 / SCM420 family (approx.) | 6.0–8.5 | 6.0–8.5 | 8.2–11.8 | Gears, gear shafts, sprockets, transmission components |
| 35 | Ni-Cr-Mo carburizing steel | 20CrNiMo (approx.) | SAE/AISI 8620 | 21NiCrMo2 / 1.6523 family | SNCM220 | 6.5–9.5 | 6.5–9.5 | 8.5–13.0 | Gears, camshafts, shafts, pinions, sprockets |
| 36 | Ni-Cr-Mo carburizing steel | 20CrNi2Mo / nearest | SAE/AISI 4320 | 18CrNiMo7-6 family (not direct) | SNCM420 family | 8.0–12.0 | 8.0–12.0 | 10.5–15.5 | High-load gears, aircraft transmission parts, shafts |
| 37 | High-strength Ni-Cr-Mo steel | 40CrNiMoA | SAE/AISI 4340 | 34CrNiMo6 / 1.6582 | SNCM439 | 8.0–13.0 | 8.0–13.0 | 10.0–16.0 | Heavy shafts, landing gear-type parts, high-strength gears, spindles |
| 38 | High-strength Ni-Cr-Mo steel | 30CrNiMo8-type / nearest | SAE/AISI 4330 | 30CrNiMo8 / 1.6580 (nearest family) | SNCM439 modified family | 8.5–12.5 | 8.5–12.5 | 11.0–16.0 | High-strength shafts, oilfield tools, landing-gear-type parts |
| 39 | High-strength Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel | 4330V-type / imported | SAE 4330V | NiCrMoV high-strength family | SNCM + V modified family | 11–17 | 11–17 | 14–21 | Drilling tools, mandrels, high-pressure shafts |
| 40 | High-performance carburizing gear steel | 18CrNiMo7-6 | SAE 4320/9310 family (not direct) | 18CrNiMo7-6 / 1.6587 | SNCM420/815 family (nearest) | 10–16 | 10–16 | 13–20 | Large gears, wind-power gears, gear shafts |
| 41 | Bearing steel | GCr15 | SAE/AISI 52100 | 100Cr6 / 1.3505 | SUJ2 | 6.0–8.5 | 5.8–8.5 | 8.0–11.5 | Bearing rings, rollers, precision shafts, wear parts |
| 42 | Bearing steel | GCr15SiMn | 52100 modified / high-hardenability bearing family | 100CrMnSi6-4 family | SUJ3 / high-hardenability family | 6.5–9.5 | 6.5–9.5 | 8.5–12.5 | Large bearing rings, rollers, wear-resistant sleeves |
| 43 | Spring steel | 60Si2Mn | SAE 9260 (approx.) | 60SiCr7 / spring family | SUP6 / SUP7 family | 5.2–7.5 | 5.3–7.5 | 7.0–10.0 | Springs, torsion parts, elastic arms, wear parts |
| 44 | Spring steel | 50CrVA | SAE 6150 (approx.) | 51CrV4 / 1.8159 | SUP10 | 6.5–9.0 | 6.5–9.0 | 8.5–12.5 | Heavy-duty springs, torsion bars, elastic components |
| 45 | Nitriding steel | 38CrMoAl | Nitralloy 135M family (nearest) | 34CrAlMo5 / nitriding family | SACM645 | 9–14 | 8–13 | 11–16 | Precision shafts, spindles, gears, sleeves, screw barrels |
| 46 | Nitriding steel | 31CrMoV9 (GB/EN commonly stocked) | Nitralloy-type family | 31CrMoV9 / 1.8519 | Cr-Mo-V nitriding family | 9–14 | 9–14 | 12–18 | Nitrided shafts, piston rods, gears, high-wear spindles |
| 47 | Nitriding steel | 34CrAlNi7-10 (import/EN) | Nitralloy high-alloy family | 34CrAlNi7-10 / 1.8550 | SACM family | 12–19 | 12–19 | 15–23 | High-performance nitrided shafts, precision gears, molds, spindles |
| 48 | Ultra-high-strength steel | 300M / imported | SAE 4340M / 300M | 300M / modified 4340 family | High-strength aerospace alloy family | 18–30 | 18–30 | 22–36 | Landing-gear components, high-strength shafts, critical pins |
| 49 | High-strength Ni-Cr-Mo steel | 30CrNiMo8-type | SAE 4340/4330 family (not direct) | 30CrNiMo8 / 1.6580 | SNCM439 family | 9–14 | 9–14 | 12–18 | Heavy shafts, spindle parts, high-load bolts, couplings |
| 50 | High-strength structural steel | 27SiMn | SAE 1513/Si-Mn family (not direct) | 28Mn6 / Si-Mn family (nearest) | SMn443 family (approx.) | 4.8–6.8 | 4.8–6.8 | 6.5–9.5 | Hydraulic cylinder barrels, shafts, pins, heavy machine parts |
Reference ranges are expressed in RMB/kg for ordinary small- and medium-batch purchasing in China. “Limited / quote” means the stock form is not commonly traded for that grade and should be confirmed with a supplier.
Stock-form pricing
Why plate, bar and forged-stock prices differ
Raw-material cost depends on more than the nominal steel grade. Shape, section size, condition and inspection requirements can create a larger cost difference than the base alloy surcharge.
Steel plate pricing in China
Plate is normally economical for housings, bases, brackets, flanges and prismatic parts. Common structural grades have deep availability, while alloy plate, thick plate and tight-flatness stock may carry a premium.
- Key variables: thickness, width, mill, rolled condition and minimum order.
- Cut blanks add cutting time, kerf loss, nesting scrap and handling.
- Ground plate, normalized plate and special ultrasonic quality require separate quotes.
Steel bar pricing in China
Round bar is the usual starting stock for CNC-turned shafts, sleeves, fittings, rollers and gear blanks. Standard hot-rolled diameters are generally cheaper than peeled, drawn or precision-ground bar.
- Key variables: diameter, straightness, surface condition and cut length.
- Cold-drawn, peeled, ground or pre-hardened bar costs more than ordinary hot-rolled bar.
- Small diameters, short cut pieces and low quantities often have a strong retail uplift.
Forged-stock pricing in China
Forgings are used for large shafts, rings, disks, high-load flanges and components that need directional grain flow or heavy sections. The table represents ordinary rough open-die or simple forged blanks.
- Forging conversion, heating, yield loss and machining allowance are built into the cost.
- Normalizing, quench and temper, hardness control and mechanical testing add separate charges.
- UT, MT, PT, witnessed tests, ESR/VAR/VIM material or aerospace quality can increase prices substantially.
How to request a usable material quote
Provide the standard and grade, stock form, dimensions, quantity, delivery condition and inspection requirements. For machined parts, include the drawing so the supplier can calculate gross blank size and material utilization.
- Specify whether an exact grade or approved equivalent is acceptable.
- State heat-treatment condition, target hardness and any through-section requirements.
- Confirm whether pricing should include tax, cutting, freight, certificates and NDT.
Machining and inspection equipment
Production equipment that machines the parts and instruments that verify them
Our factory supports made-to-drawing CNC machining from one-piece prototypes to repeat production. CNC milling and turning equipment is paired with independent optical and coordinate measurement for dimensional verification.
MOQ 1 piecePrototype, engineering sample and low-volume orders
3 / 4 / 5-axisCNC milling for simple and complex machined geometry
CNC turningShafts, sleeves, fittings, flanges and rotational parts
Dimensional inspection2D optical measurement and CMM verification
Machining
CNC Milling Centers
Three-axis, four-axis and five-axis machining supports precision plates, brackets, housings, valve blocks and complex contoured parts from customer drawings.
Machining
CNC Turning Machines
CNC lathes produce accurate diameters, bores, grooves and threads for shafts, pins, bushings, rollers, couplings and other rotational components.
Inspection
2D Optical Projector
Non-contact optical measurement checks profiles, angles, radii, edge details and small features by magnifying the component contour on a measuring screen.
Inspection
Coordinate Measuring Machine
CMM inspection verifies coordinates, hole positions, diameters and geometric tolerances on complex CNC machined steel parts against the drawing.
Start with 1 piece
There is no high-volume entry barrier. Order one part for fit, function and material validation, then move to low-volume or repeat production after the prototype is approved.
Quotation workflow
Turn a reference price into a realistic CNC machining material budget
A reliable estimate connects the market price to the actual blank, process route and inspection plan.
Confirm the standard
Lock the governing GB, ASTM, SAE, AISI, EN, DIN or JIS specification and approved delivery condition.
Define the gross blank
Add machining allowance, scale removal, workholding length, saw kerf and expected material yield.
Add required processing
Include cutting, forging conversion, heat treatment, straightening, peeling, grinding and testing.
Obtain a dated quote
Confirm mill or origin, section size, available quantity, lead time, tax and freight on the quotation date.
Frequently asked questions
Steel grade and China pricing FAQ
Is 42CrMo exactly the same as AISI 4140?
They are commonly compared as similar Cr-Mo alloy steel families, but they are governed by different standards. Check chemistry, hardenability, mechanical properties, heat-treatment condition and the customer's specification before substitution.
Is 40Cr the same as AISI 5140?
40Cr and AISI 5140 are often treated as practical nearest-family references. They should not be substituted solely by name; confirm the specified standard and property requirements first.
Why is the table price higher than some wholesale market reports?
The table uses wider budgeting ranges for smaller purchases, cut stock and varied specifications. Wholesale mill or market prices may assume full-length material, larger lots and standard delivery conditions.
Why is forged stock usually more expensive than bar?
Forged stock includes conversion work, heating, yield loss, rough sizing and additional machining allowance. Heat treatment, NDT and mechanical testing may also be required.
Does the listed price include CNC machining?
No. The figures cover raw plate, bar or rough forged stock only. CNC programming, setup, turning, milling, tooling, inspection, heat treatment, surface treatment and packaging are separate.
How often should China steel prices be updated?
Use a current supplier quotation for every active RFQ. A website guide can be reviewed monthly or quarterly, but volatile alloy surcharges and unusual section sizes should always be checked on the quotation date.
Reference basis and source notes
Price ranges were prepared in September 2026 from public China market anchors and widened for practical small- and medium-batch purchasing. Grade cross-references are nearest-family engineering references.
- Mysteel special-steel market reference
- Mysteel Q235B and Q355B plate reference
- Mysteel Cr-Mo steel market reference
- MatWeb material-property reference database
Important: These prices are non-binding reference ranges, not supplier quotations. Actual prices vary by date, mill, region, quantity, dimensions, condition, testing, tax and freight.