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Steel 22MnB5 vs SPFC980

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 22MnB5 and SPFC980 are both steel grades. SPFC980 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 22MnB5, about 82% more; tensile strength follows at 1,040 MPa (151 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, 22MnB5 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 10% for SPFC980, and SPFC980 is harder (295 HB vs 160 HB). 22MnB5 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and SPFC980 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 32 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 22MnB5 machines more easily (good vs poor) and SPFC980 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 22MnB5 (standard, $$).

22MnB5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

SPFC980Choose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.

22MnB5 vs SPFC980: properties

22MnB5SPFC980

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

210 GPa30.5 Msi
207 GPa30 Msi

Shear Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
80 GPa11.6 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.3
0.29

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

560 MPa81.2 ksi
1,040 MPa151 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

380 MPa55.1 ksi
690 MPa100 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
10%

Reduction in Area

55%
—

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
640 MPa92.8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

160 HB
295 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

85 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

170 HV
310 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
31 HRC

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,465°C2,669 °F
1,480°C2,696 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

32 W/m·K18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F
12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

260 J/g112 BTU/lb
270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

8 % IACS
8.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

12 / 100
10 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
28 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
28%

Weldability

65 / 100
60 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
28 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2.4 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

20%
25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

71 kN·m/kg
132 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

344 kJ/m³
1,150 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

8.5 mm²/s
11.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

7
18

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 scale22MnB5SPFC980

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability22MnB5SPFC980
Sheet metalYes—
Default conditionCR—
Relative cost$$ Standard$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——
Black OxideYes—
CerakoteYes—
Chrome PlatingYes—
E-CoatingYes—
Hot-Dip GalvanizingYes—
Nickel PlatingYes—
PTFE CoatingYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—
Tin PlatingYes—
Zinc PlatingYes—
Zinc-Flake (Dip-Spin) CoatingYes—
Zinc-Nickel PlatingYes—

They share 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.

22MnB5 vs SPFC980 — frequently asked

Is SPFC980 stronger than 22MnB5?

Yes. SPFC980 has a typical yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 22MnB5 — about 82% more. Tensile strength is 1,040 MPa (151 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 22MnB5 or SPFC980?

SPFC980 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 22MnB5 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Which is easier to machine, 22MnB5 or SPFC980?

22MnB5. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (28/100) for SPFC980; for welding the order is 22MnB5 first (good, 65/100) then SPFC980 (good, 60/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 22MnB5 and SPFC980 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.