Steel 12Cr1MoV vs 38CrMoAl
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 12Cr1MoV and 38CrMoAl are both steel grades. 38CrMoAl is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 12Cr1MoV, about 3.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, 12Cr1MoV is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 16% for 38CrMoAl, and 38CrMoAl is harder (310 HB vs 160 HB). 12Cr1MoV runs hotter in service (580°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, 12Cr1MoV machines more easily (good vs fair) and 12Cr1MoV welds better (good vs poor).
12Cr1MoVChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
38CrMoAlChoose it when strength drives the design.
12Cr1MoV vs 38CrMoAl: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 55%
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | 12Cr1MoV | 38CrMoAl |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | N&T | Q&T |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| 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 and Sheet metal. 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.
12Cr1MoV vs 38CrMoAl — frequently asked
Is 38CrMoAl stronger than 12Cr1MoV?
Yes. 38CrMoAl has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 12Cr1MoV — about 3.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 12Cr1MoV or 38CrMoAl?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 12Cr1MoV or 38CrMoAl?
12Cr1MoV. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for 38CrMoAl; for welding the order is 12Cr1MoV first (good, 55/100) then 38CrMoAl (poor, 18/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12Cr1MoV and 38CrMoAl 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.