Steel 1215 vs Y15Pb
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 1215 and Y15Pb are both steel grades, both machining-friendly steel. Y15Pb is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215, about 80% more; tensile strength follows at 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). In exchange, 1215 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for Y15Pb, and Y15Pb is harder (170 HB vs 121 HB). 1215 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, Y15Pb machines more easily (98 vs 85 out of 100).
1215Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Y15PbChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
1215 vs Y15Pb: 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | 1215 | Y15Pb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | HR | CD |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| 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. 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.
1215 vs Y15Pb — frequently asked
Is Y15Pb stronger than 1215?
Yes. Y15Pb has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1215 — about 80% more. Tensile strength is 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1215 or Y15Pb?
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, 1215 or Y15Pb?
Y15Pb, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 98/100 against 85/100 for 1215; for welding the order is 1215 first (poor, 20/100) then Y15Pb (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1215 and Y15Pb 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.