Steel 35W250 vs Silicon Steel
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 35W250 and Silicon Steel are both steel grades, both electrical steel. 35W250 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for Silicon Steel, about 13% more. In exchange, Silicon Steel is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 12% for 35W250, and 35W250 is harder (180 HB vs 170 HB). Silicon Steel runs hotter in service (200°C vs 180°C continuous) and Silicon Steel conducts electricity better (3.6 % IACS vs 3.1 % IACS). On the shop floor, Silicon Steel welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100) and 35W250 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Silicon Steel (premium, $$$).
35W250Choose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Silicon SteelChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
35W250 vs Silicon Steel: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 210 MPa30.5 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.65 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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 45%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | 35W250 | Silicon Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Final Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. Both take the same 22 finishes: Black Oxide, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Manganese Phosphate, Nickel Plating and 10 more.
35W250 vs Silicon Steel — frequently asked
Is 35W250 stronger than Silicon Steel?
Yes. 35W250 has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for Silicon Steel — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 35W250 or Silicon Steel?
35W250 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Silicon Steel is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 35W250 or Silicon Steel?
35W250, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for Silicon Steel; for welding the order is Silicon Steel first (fair, 45/100) then 35W250 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 35W250 and Silicon Steel 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.