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Steel 15B35 vs 50B44

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 15B35 and 50B44 are both steel grades. 15B35 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 50B44, about 63% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi). In exchange, 50B44 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 13% for 15B35, and 15B35 is harder (217 HB vs 187 HB). 50B44 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and 15B35 conducts electricity better (9.5 % IACS vs 8 % IACS). On the shop floor, 15B35 welds better (fair vs poor).

15B35Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.

50B44Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

15B35 vs 50B44: properties

15B3550B44

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

730 MPa106 ksi
640 MPa92.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
380 MPa55.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
22%

Reduction in Area

40%
50%

Compressive Strength

620 MPa89.9 ksi
—

Shear Strength

440 MPa63.8 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

217 HB
187 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

96 HRB
90 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

Liquidus Temperature

1,495°C2,723 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

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

46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F
12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

9.5 % IACS
8 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

10 / 100
12 / 100

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

55 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

65%
62%

Weldability

40 / 100
30 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
45 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Water

40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
50 L/kg6 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

93 kN·m/kg
82 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

938 kJ/m³
352 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

12.3 mm²/s
11.8 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 scale15B3550B44

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability15B3550B44
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 50B44 — frequently asked

Is 15B35 stronger than 50B44?

Yes. 15B35 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 50B44 — about 63% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 15B35 or 50B44?

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 50B44?

15B35. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for 50B44.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15B35 and 50B44 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.