Steel 100Cr6 vs 52100
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 100Cr6 and 52100 are both steel grades, both bearing steel. Both yield at about 420 MPa — strength does not separate them. 52100 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 100Cr6. 52100 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and 100Cr6 conducts electricity better (8 % IACS vs 7 % IACS). On the shop floor, 100Cr6 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than 52100 (premium, $$$).
100Cr6Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
52100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
100Cr6 vs 52100: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.81 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,424°C2,595 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,455°C2,651 °F
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) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 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 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 40% · Weldability 12 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Modulus of Resilience 420 kJ/m³
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 | 100Cr6 | 52100 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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 and Sheet metal. 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.
100Cr6 vs 52100 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 100Cr6 and 52100?
Steel 100Cr6 and 52100 are both steel grades, both bearing steel. Both yield at about 420 MPa — strength does not separate them. 52100 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 100Cr6.
Which is cheaper, 100Cr6 or 52100?
100Cr6 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while 52100 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 100Cr6 or 52100?
100Cr6, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for 52100.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 100Cr6 and 52100 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.