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Steel 25Cr2MoVA vs H13

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 25Cr2MoVA and H13 are both steel grades, both heat resistant steel. 25Cr2MoVA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 850 MPa (123 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for H13, about 63% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, H13 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 16% for 25Cr2MoVA, and 25Cr2MoVA is harder (300 HB vs 205 HB). 25Cr2MoVA runs hotter in service (520°C vs 400°C continuous) and 25Cr2MoVA conducts heat better (38 W/m·K vs 24.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 25Cr2MoVA sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than H13 (high, $$$$).

25Cr2MoVAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

H13Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

25Cr2MoVA vs H13: properties

25Cr2MoVAH13

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

165 GPa23.9 Msi
160 GPa23.2 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.29
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,000 MPa145 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

850 MPa123 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

16%
25%

Reduction in Area

58%
50%

Compressive Strength

860 MPa125 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Shear Strength

620 MPa89.9 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
360 MPa52.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

55 J40.6 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

300 HB
205 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

31 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

315 HV
215 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
95 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,420°C2,588 °F
1,425°C2,597 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,495°C2,723 °F
1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F
24.5 W/m·K14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F
10.9 µm/m·K6.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

270 J/g116 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

520°C968 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-40°C-40 °F
-30°C-22 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.5 % IACS
3.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in
5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.62 V
-0.58 V

Corrosion Resistance

15 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

42 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
50%

Weldability

32 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

30 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
30 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
78 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.4 kg CO₂/kg
2.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
75 L/kg9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

30%
45%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

127 kN·m/kg
97 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,720 kJ/m³
644 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

10.5 mm²/s
6.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

15
8

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 scaleH1325Cr2MoVA

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability25Cr2MoVAH13
Sheet metalYes—
3D printing—Yes
Default conditionQ&TAnnealed
Relative cost$$ Standard$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 1.6 µm
Passivated (Metal AM)—Yes
Plated (Metal AM)—Yes

Both are offered for CNC machining. They share 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.

25Cr2MoVA vs H13 — frequently asked

Is 25Cr2MoVA stronger than H13?

Yes. 25Cr2MoVA has a typical yield strength of 850 MPa (123 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for H13 — about 63% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 25Cr2MoVA or H13?

25Cr2MoVA is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while H13 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

When should I choose 25Cr2MoVA over H13?

Pick 25Cr2MoVA when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick H13 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 25Cr2MoVA and H13 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.