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Steel 1006 vs C4C

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1006 and C4C are both steel grades. C4C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 1006, about 24% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). C4C is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 30% for 1006, and C4C is harder (95 HB vs 86 HB). 1006 conducts heat better (65 W/m·K vs 58 W/m·K).

C4CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

1006 vs C4C: properties

1006C4C

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
207 GPa30 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

170 MPa24.7 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

30%
38%

Reduction in Area

55%
70%

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

150 MPa21.8 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

120 J88.5 ft·lbf
150 J111 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

86 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

41 HRB
55 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

90 HV
100 HV

Compressive Strength

—
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,515°C2,759 °F
1,500°C2,732 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,535°C2,795 °F
1,533°C2,791 °F

Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

65 W/m·K37.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
58 W/m·K33.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

481 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

12 % IACS
11.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.43×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.63 µΩ·in
1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

45 / 100
42 / 100

Weldability

97 / 100
95 / 100

Formability (cold)

95 / 100
96 / 100

Castability

35 / 100
—

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 50% · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

28%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

38 kN·m/kg
42 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26 MN·m/kg
26.3 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

70 kJ/m³
107 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

17.2 mm²/s
15.4 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 8

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale1006C4C

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability1006C4C
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionHR—
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——
Black OxideYes—
CerakoteYes—
Chrome PlatingYes—
E-CoatingYes—
Hot-Dip GalvanizingYes—
Nickel PlatingYes—
PTFE CoatingYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—
Tin PlatingYes—
Zinc PlatingYes—
Zinc-Flake (Dip-Spin) CoatingYes—
Zinc-Nickel PlatingYes—

They share 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.

1006 vs C4C — frequently asked

Is C4C stronger than 1006?

Yes. C4C has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 1006 — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1006 or C4C?

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 1006 over C4C?

Pick C4C when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1006 and C4C 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.