Steel 34MnB5 vs X11CrMo9-1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 34MnB5 and X11CrMo9-1 are both steel grades. 34MnB5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for X11CrMo9-1, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, X11CrMo9-1 is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 14% for 34MnB5. X11CrMo9-1 runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous) and 34MnB5 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 29 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 34MnB5 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 34MnB5 welds better (good vs fair).
34MnB5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
X11CrMo9-1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
34MnB5 vs X11CrMo9-1: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Hardness, Brinell 185 HB · Hardness, Vickers 195 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °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)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | 34MnB5 | X11CrMo9-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | CR | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| 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.
34MnB5 vs X11CrMo9-1 — frequently asked
Is 34MnB5 stronger than X11CrMo9-1?
Yes. 34MnB5 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for X11CrMo9-1 — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 34MnB5 or X11CrMo9-1?
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, 34MnB5 or X11CrMo9-1?
34MnB5. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for X11CrMo9-1; for welding the order is 34MnB5 first (good, 55/100) then X11CrMo9-1 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 34MnB5 and X11CrMo9-1 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.