Steel 12CrMoV vs 20CrMo
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 12CrMoV and 20CrMo are both steel grades. 20CrMo is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 12CrMoV, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi). In exchange, 12CrMoV is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for 20CrMo, and 20CrMo is harder (200 HB vs 155 HB). 12CrMoV runs hotter in service (570°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, 12CrMoV sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 20CrMo (standard, $$).
12CrMoVChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
20CrMoChoose it when strength drives the design.
12CrMoV vs 20CrMo: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 58 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.8 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 11.4 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 12CrMoV | 20CrMo |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | HR |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| 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.
12CrMoV vs 20CrMo — frequently asked
Is 20CrMo stronger than 12CrMoV?
Yes. 20CrMo has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 12CrMoV — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 12CrMoV or 20CrMo?
12CrMoV is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 20CrMo is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose 12CrMoV over 20CrMo?
Pick 12CrMoV when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 20CrMo when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12CrMoV and 20CrMo 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.