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Steel 1144 vs 1215

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1144 and 1215 are both steel grades, both machining-friendly steel. 1144 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). In exchange, 1215 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for 1144, and 1144 is harder (197 HB vs 121 HB). 1215 conducts electricity better (10.8 % IACS vs 9.5 % IACS).

1144Choose it when strength drives the design.

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

1144 vs 1215: properties

11441215

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

670 MPa97.2 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

400 MPa58 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

15%
25%

Reduction in Area

30%
45%

Compressive Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
—

Shear Strength

450 MPa65.3 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

320 MPa46.4 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

197 HB
121 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

93 HRB
70 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

13 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

207 HV
—

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.

Density

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

Liquidus Temperature

1,490°C2,714 °F
1,510°C2,750 °F

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °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

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F
11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

250 J/g107 BTU/lb
247 J/g106 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

9.5 % IACS
10.8 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

10 / 100
8 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V

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%

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
35 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Polishability 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

Embodied Water

40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

85 kN·m/kg
53 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.1 MN·m/kg
25.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

390 kJ/m³
156 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.5 mm²/s
13.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

14
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 scale12151144

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability11441215
Default conditionHRHR
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 1.6 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining. 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.

1144 vs 1215 — frequently asked

Is 1144 stronger than 1215?

Yes. 1144 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215 — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1144 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, 1144 or 1215?

1215. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (78/100) for 1144.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1144 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.