Steel 08Al vs DC05
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 08Al and DC05 are both steel grades. DC05 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 08Al, about 7% more. 08Al is harder — 95 HV against 90 HV for DC05 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 08Al runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous).
08AlChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
DC05Choose it when strength drives the design.
08Al vs DC05: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 300 MPa43.5 ksi · Elongation at Break 42% · Reduction in Area 70% · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 150 MPa21.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 55% · Weldability 95 / 100 · Formability (cold) 97 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 38 kN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 7
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 08Al | DC05 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
08Al vs DC05 — frequently asked
Is DC05 stronger than 08Al?
Yes. DC05 has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 08Al — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 08Al or DC05?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose 08Al over DC05?
Pick 08Al when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat. Pick DC05 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 08Al and DC05 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.