FabDigitFabDigit

Steel 1108 vs 1215

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1108 and 1215 are both steel grades. 1108 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215, about 32% more. In exchange, 1215 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for 1108, and 1215 is harder (121 HB vs 111 HB). On the shop floor, 1108 welds better (fair vs poor).

1108Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

1215Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

1108 vs 1215: properties

11081215

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

385 MPa55.8 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
25%

Reduction in Area

40%
45%

Compressive Strength

330 MPa47.9 ksi
—

Shear Strength

250 MPa36.3 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

30 J22.1 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

111 HB
121 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

64 HRB
70 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 190 MPa27.6 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

472 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

10.5 % IACS
10.8 % IACS

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 8 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

78 / 100
85 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

80%
120%

Weldability

50 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

50 / 100
35 / 100

Castability

40 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

65 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

1.9 kg CO₂/kg
2 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

30%
35%

Same in both: Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

49 kN·m/kg
53 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
25.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

272 kJ/m³
156 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.8 mm²/s
13.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

8
9

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 scale12151108

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability11081215
CNC machining—Yes
Default condition—HR
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall—0.8 mm
Best machined surface—Ra 1.6 µm
AlCrN—Yes
AlTiN—Yes
Black Oxide—Yes
CVD Al2O3—Yes
CVD TiCN—Yes
CVD TiN—Yes
Cerakote—Yes
Chrome Plating—Yes
CrN—Yes
DLC—Yes
E-Coating—Yes
HVOF Coating—Yes
Hot-Dip Galvanizing—Yes
MoS2—Yes
Multilayer CVD—Yes
Nickel Plating—Yes
PTFE Coating—Yes
Painting—Yes

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

1108 vs 1215 — frequently asked

Is 1108 stronger than 1215?

Yes. 1108 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215 — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1108 or 1215?

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, 1108 or 1215?

1215. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (78/100) for 1108; for welding the order is 1108 first (fair, 50/100) then 1215 (poor, 20/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1108 and 1215 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.