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Steel 30KhGSL vs WC1

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 30KhGSL and WC1 are both steel grades. 30KhGSL is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 41% more; tensile strength follows at 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 15% for 30KhGSL, and 30KhGSL is harder (207 HB vs 160 HB). WC1 runs hotter in service (455°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, WC1 machines more easily (good vs fair) and WC1 welds better (very good vs fair).

30KhGSLChoose it when strength drives the design.

WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

30KhGSL vs WC1: properties

30KhGSLWC1

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

165 GPa23.9 Msi
160 GPa23.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

650 MPa94.3 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

430 MPa62.4 ksi
305 MPa44.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

15%
28%

Reduction in Area

28%
48%

Compressive Strength

440 MPa63.8 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Shear Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

270 MPa39.2 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in
130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
50 J36.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

207 HB
160 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

18 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

218 HV
168 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
84 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,420°C2,588 °F
1,425°C2,597 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,495°C2,723 °F
1,505°C2,741 °F

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

38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F
42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F
12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
455°C851 °F

Min Service Temperature

-40°C-40 °F
-29°C-20 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.8 % IACS
8.5 % 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).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.62 V
-0.61 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

48 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
60%

Weldability

40 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

58 / 100
70 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb
26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

70%
80%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

83 kN·m/kg
66 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

451 kJ/m³
227 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

10.3 mm²/s
11.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

10
9

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.1 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 scaleWC130KhGSL

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability30KhGSLWC1
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.

30KhGSL vs WC1 — frequently asked

Is 30KhGSL stronger than WC1?

Yes. 30KhGSL has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 41% more. Tensile strength is 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 30KhGSL or WC1?

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, 30KhGSL or WC1?

WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (48/100) for 30KhGSL; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then 30KhGSL (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 30KhGSL and WC1 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.