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Steel 1010 vs DC04

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1010 and DC04 are both steel grades, both low carbon steel. DC04 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 1010, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi). DC04 is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 28% for 1010, and DC04 is harder (115 HB vs 95 HB). 1010 conducts electricity better (12 % IACS vs 10.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, DC04 machines more easily (good vs fair).

DC04Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

1010 vs DC04: properties

1010DC04

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

325 MPa47.1 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

28%
32%

Reduction in Area

50%
60%

Shear Strength

220 MPa31.9 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

160 MPa23.2 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

95 J70.1 ft·lbf
70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
115 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

55 HRB
62 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
120 HV

Compressive Strength

—
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,495°C2,723 °F
1,500°C2,732 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,525°C2,777 °F
1,530°C2,786 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

49.8 W/m·K28.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

448 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F
12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

247 J/g106 BTU/lb
270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

12 % IACS
10.5 % 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)

-0.61 V
-0.62 V

Corrosion Resistance

10 / 100
8 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

42 / 100
60 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
70%

Weldability

95 / 100
92 / 100

Formability (cold)

90 / 100
80 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

80 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

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

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

1.9 kg CO₂/kg
2.1 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

35 L/kg4.2 gal/lb
40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

30%
22%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

41 kN·m/kg
45 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.4 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

81 kJ/m³
126 kJ/m³

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 14.1 mm²/s · 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale1010DC04

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability1010DC04
CNC machiningYes—
Default conditionHRHR
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µm—
AlCrNYes—
AlTiNYes—
CVD Al2O3Yes—
CVD TiCNYes—
CVD TiNYes—
CrNYes—
DLCYes—
HVOF CoatingYes—
MoS2Yes—
Multilayer CVDYes—
TiAlNYes—
TiB2Yes—
TiCNYes—
TiNYes—
WC/CYes—
ZrNYes—

Both are offered for Sheet metal. They share 22 finishes: Black Oxide, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Manganese Phosphate, Nickel Plating and 10 more.

1010 vs DC04 — frequently asked

Is DC04 stronger than 1010?

Yes. DC04 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 1010 — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 325 MPa (47.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1010 or DC04?

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.

Which is easier to machine, 1010 or DC04?

DC04. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (42/100) for 1010.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1010 and DC04 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.