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Steel 30CrNiMo8 vs 34CrNiMo6

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 30CrNiMo8 and 34CrNiMo6 are both steel grades, both high strength steel. 30CrNiMo8 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 34CrNiMo6, about 79% more; tensile strength follows at 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 34CrNiMo6 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 30CrNiMo8, and 30CrNiMo8 is harder (355 HB vs 265 HB). 34CrNiMo6 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and 34CrNiMo6 conducts heat better (42 W/m·K vs 34 W/m·K).

30CrNiMo8Choose it when strength drives the design.

34CrNiMo6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

30CrNiMo8 vs 34CrNiMo6: properties

30CrNiMo834CrNiMo6

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
80 GPa11.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,200 MPa174 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

1,000 MPa145 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
15%

Reduction in Area

50%
45%

Compressive Strength

1,050 MPa152 ksi
870 MPa126 ksi

Shear Strength

720 MPa104 ksi
650 MPa94.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

550 MPa79.8 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

45 J33.2 ft·lbf
30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

355 HB
265 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

38 HRC
26 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

375 HV
335 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,480°C2,696 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-50°C-58 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
-0.6 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

38 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

40%
48%

Weldability

22 / 100
30 / 100

Formability (cold)

18 / 100
30 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb
32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.4 kg CO₂/kg
2.3 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

153 kN·m/kg
115 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

2,381 kJ/m³
747 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

9.4 mm²/s
11.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

16
15

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.8 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 scale30CrNiMo834CrNiMo6

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability30CrNiMo834CrNiMo6
Default conditionQ&THR
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 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.

30CrNiMo8 vs 34CrNiMo6 — frequently asked

Is 30CrNiMo8 stronger than 34CrNiMo6?

Yes. 30CrNiMo8 has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 34CrNiMo6 — about 79% more. Tensile strength is 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 30CrNiMo8 or 34CrNiMo6?

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 is easier to machine, 30CrNiMo8 or 34CrNiMo6?

34CrNiMo6, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for 30CrNiMo8; for welding the order is 34CrNiMo6 first (poor, 30/100) then 30CrNiMo8 (poor, 22/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 30CrNiMo8 and 34CrNiMo6 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.