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Steel 1006 vs E155

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1006 and E155 are both steel grades. E155 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 1006, about 6% more. E155 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 30% for 1006, and E155 is harder (95 HB vs 86 HB). 1006 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and 1006 conducts heat better (65 W/m·K vs 52 W/m·K).

1006Choose it when the part sees heat.

E155Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

1006 vs E155: properties

1006E155

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

80 GPa11.6 Msi
81 GPa11.7 Msi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

170 MPa24.7 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

30%
35%

Reduction in Area

55%
65%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

150 MPa21.8 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
110 MPa·√m100 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

120 J88.5 ft·lbf
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

86 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

41 HRB
52 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

90 HV
100 HV

Compressive Strength

—
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 300 MPa43.5 ksi · Shear Strength 200 MPa29 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,515°C2,759 °F
1,495°C2,723 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,535°C2,795 °F
1,530°C2,786 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

65 W/m·K37.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

247 J/g106 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
350°C662 °F

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

12 % IACS
10.8 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.43×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.63 µΩ·in
1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.65 V
-0.61 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
46 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
48%

Weldability

97 / 100
95 / 100

Castability

35 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

80 / 100
75 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 95 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
24 MJ/kg10,318 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
1.9 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

28%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

70 kJ/m³
77 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

17.2 mm²/s
13.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

8
6

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 38 kN·m/kg

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 scale1006E155

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability1006E155
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 E155 — frequently asked

Is E155 stronger than 1006?

Yes. E155 has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 1006 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1006 or E155?

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 E155?

Pick 1006 when the part sees heat. Pick E155 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 E155 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.