Why EN-31 Remains the Backbone of Bearing and Automotive Components

When it comes to bearings, shafts, gears, and high-wear automotive parts, one steel grade has stood the test of time — EN-31. Despite the availability of many modern alloys, EN-31 continues to be the backbone of automotive engineering and industrial applications.

At Goel Steel Enterprises (GSE), EN-31 isn’t just another grade in our stockyard it’s one we handle with special care. Every round bar, flat, or block undergoes Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Backwall Echo inspection, and strict chemical analysis before dispatch. Because for us, supplying EN-31 is not about volume it’s about trust and reliability.

What is EN-31?

• Type: High carbon alloy steel

• Key Composition: High carbon (~1.0%) + Chromium (~1.5%)

• Characteristics:

  • Very high hardness after heat treatment

  • Excellent wear resistance

  • High compressive strength

  • Good toughness at the core

These properties make EN-31 the preferred choice for parts that must resist wear and sustain heavy loads over long service lives.

Why EN-31 is Popular in Bearings & Automotive

1. Exceptional Hardness
   After heat treatment, EN-31 can reach 58–60 HRC, making it ideal for bearing races and rolling elements.

2. Superior Wear Resistance
   Its high carbon + chromium composition resists abrasion, ensuring long life for shafts, gears, and rollers.

3. Strength Under Load
   With high compressive strength, EN-31 can withstand the repeated stress cycles found in automotive engines and transmissions.

4. Cost-Effective & Proven
   EN-31 offers a balance of performance and affordability, which is why it’s still the default choice across industries.

Common Applications of EN-31

• Ball and roller bearings

• Automotive shafts and axles

• Transmission gears

• Spindles and machine tools

• High-wear industrial rollers

• Cutting tools (after special heat treatment)

Why Testing Matters in EN-31

Bearings and automotive components are precision-critical. A single crack, inclusion, or wrong chemical balance can cause premature failure, leading to costly downtime or safety risks.

At GSE, we ensure every EN-31 bar or block is tested thoroughly:

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT) & Backwall Echo
  Detects internal defects like cracks, porosity, or inclusions before machining.

• Chemical Composition Testing
  Ensures correct levels of Carbon and Chromium for hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.

• Rigorous Acceptance Standards
  Only material that passes both structural and chemical checks is dispatched.

This rigorous testing process is why leading automotive and engineering customers rely on us for EN-31.

Why Customers Trust GSE for EN-31

• Decades of expertise in supplying alloy and tool steels

• Testing-first approach (UT + chemical analysis every batch)

• Transparent quality checks with reports shared when required

• Reliable supply chain for both standard and custom requirements

👉 Have a requirement? Contact us today to discuss your EN-31 needs.

EN-31 has earned its reputation as the backbone of bearings and automotive components because of its hardness, wear resistance, and proven reliability. But the performance of EN-31 depends on more than its name it depends on how carefully it has been produced, tested, and delivered.

At Goel Steel Enterprises, we combine EN-31’s proven properties with rigorous ultrasonic and chemical testing. This ensures every delivery is not just steel it’s a promise of reliability, performance, and peace of mind.