Steel 12Ni14 vs 34MnB5
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 12Ni14 and 34MnB5 are both steel grades. 34MnB5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for 12Ni14, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi). In exchange, 12Ni14 is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 14% for 34MnB5, and 34MnB5 is harder (185 HB vs 165 HB). 34MnB5 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and 34MnB5 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 38 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 12Ni14 welds better (very good vs good).
12Ni14Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
34MnB5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
12Ni14 vs 34MnB5: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Polishability 55 / 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 | 12Ni14 | 34MnB5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | CR |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Black Oxide | — | Yes |
| Cerakote | — | Yes |
| Chrome Plating | — | Yes |
| E-Coating | — | Yes |
| Hot-Dip Galvanizing | — | Yes |
| Nickel Plating | — | Yes |
| PTFE Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
| Tin Plating | — | Yes |
| Zinc Plating | — | Yes |
| Zinc-Flake (Dip-Spin) Coating | — | Yes |
| Zinc-Nickel Plating | — | 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.
12Ni14 vs 34MnB5 — frequently asked
Is 34MnB5 stronger than 12Ni14?
Yes. 34MnB5 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for 12Ni14 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 12Ni14 or 34MnB5?
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 welds better, 12Ni14 or 34MnB5?
12Ni14. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for 34MnB5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12Ni14 and 34MnB5 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.