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Steel 1213 vs 1215

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 1213 and 1215 are both steel grades. 1213 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215, about 66% more; tensile strength follows at 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). In exchange, 1215 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for 1213, and 1213 is harder (167 HB vs 121 HB).

1213Choose it when strength drives the design.

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

1213 vs 1215: properties

12131215

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

140 GPa20.3 Msi
160 GPa23.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

540 MPa78.3 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

415 MPa60.2 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

10%
25%

Reduction in Area

35%
45%

Compressive Strength

415 MPa60.2 ksi
—

Shear Strength

375 MPa54.4 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

225 MPa32.6 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

167 HB
121 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

85 HRB
70 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

175 HV
—

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,500°C2,732 °F
1,510°C2,750 °F

Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F

Thermal

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

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.6 V
-0.61 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 8 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

92 / 100
85 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

136%
120%

Weldability

15 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

35 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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)

69 kN·m/kg
53 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

431 kJ/m³
156 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
9

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.4 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 13.6 mm²/s

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 scale12151213

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability12131215
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.

1213 vs 1215 — frequently asked

Is 1213 stronger than 1215?

Yes. 1213 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215 — about 66% more. Tensile strength is 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1213 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, 1213 or 1215?

1213, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 92/100 against 85/100 for 1215; for welding the order is 1215 first (poor, 20/100) then 1213 (poor, 15/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1213 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.