Steel 25CrMo4 vs 40Cr
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 25CrMo4 and 40Cr are both steel grades, both alloy steel. 25CrMo4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 40Cr, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 870 MPa (126 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). 25CrMo4 is harder — 270 HB against 210 HB for 40Cr — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 25CrMo4 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 25CrMo4 welds better (good vs fair).
25CrMo4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
25CrMo4 vs 40Cr: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Elongation at Break 16%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
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 | 25CrMo4 | 40Cr |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Q&T | HR |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
25CrMo4 vs 40Cr — frequently asked
Is 25CrMo4 stronger than 40Cr?
Yes. 25CrMo4 has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 40Cr — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 870 MPa (126 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 25CrMo4 or 40Cr?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 25CrMo4 or 40Cr?
25CrMo4. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against fair (45/100) for 40Cr.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 25CrMo4 and 40Cr 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.