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: 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 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 | 22MnB5 | SPFC980 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | CR | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| 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.
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.
