Steel 34MnB5 vs X15CrMo5-1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 34MnB5 and X15CrMo5-1 are both steel grades. X15CrMo5-1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 34MnB5, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). X15CrMo5-1 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 14% for 34MnB5, and X15CrMo5-1 is harder (200 HB vs 185 HB). X15CrMo5-1 runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous) and 34MnB5 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 37 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 34MnB5 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 34MnB5 welds better (good vs fair).
34MnB5Choose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
X15CrMo5-1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
34MnB5 vs X15CrMo5-1: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 400 MPa58 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V
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
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 10
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 | X15CrMo5-1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 X15CrMo5-1 — frequently asked
Is X15CrMo5-1 stronger than 34MnB5?
Yes. X15CrMo5-1 has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 34MnB5 — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 34MnB5 or X15CrMo5-1?
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 X15CrMo5-1?
34MnB5. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for X15CrMo5-1; for welding the order is 34MnB5 first (good, 55/100) then X15CrMo5-1 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 34MnB5 and X15CrMo5-1 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.