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Steel 15B35 vs 15B48

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 15B35 and 15B48 are both steel grades. 15B35 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for 15B48, about 61% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi). In exchange, 15B48 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 13% for 15B35, and 15B35 is harder (217 HB vs 170 HB). 15B48 runs hotter in service (425°C vs 350°C continuous).

15B35Choose it when strength drives the design.

15B48Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

15B35 vs 15B48: properties

15B3515B48

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

730 MPa106 ksi
585 MPa84.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
385 MPa55.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
22%

Reduction in Area

40%
50%

Compressive Strength

620 MPa89.9 ksi
—

Shear Strength

440 MPa63.8 ksi
390 MPa56.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
265 MPa38.4 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
32 J23.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

217 HB
170 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

96 HRB
87 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · 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)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F

Thermal

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

Specific Heat Capacity

475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F
11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

247 J/g106 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
425°C797 °F

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
-0.6 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

40 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
65 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 65%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
27 MJ/kg11,608 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 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

93 kN·m/kg
75 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

938 kJ/m³
362 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

12.3 mm²/s
12.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

14
11

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.1 MN·m/kg

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 scale15B3515B48

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability15B3515B48
Default condition——
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.

15B35 vs 15B48 — frequently asked

Is 15B35 stronger than 15B48?

Yes. 15B35 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for 15B48 — about 61% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 15B35 or 15B48?

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 welds better, 15B35 or 15B48?

15B35. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against fair (35/100) for 15B48.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15B35 and 15B48 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.