Steel 1.2344 vs 718
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 1.2344 and 718 are both steel grades, both mold steel. 718 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 1.2344, about 76% more; tensile strength follows at 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, 1.2344 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 14% for 718, and 718 is harder (310 HB vs 215 HB). 718 conducts heat better (32 W/m·K vs 24.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 718 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 718 welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
1.2344Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
718Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
1.2344 vs 718: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Reduction in Area 45%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | 1.2344 | 718 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Prehard |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
1.2344 vs 718 — frequently asked
Is 718 stronger than 1.2344?
Yes. 718 has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 1.2344 — about 76% more. Tensile strength is 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1.2344 or 718?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 1.2344 or 718?
718. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 1.2344; for welding the order is 718 first (fair, 45/100) then 1.2344 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.2344 and 718 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.