Steel 38CrMoAl vs 38MnVS6
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 38CrMoAl and 38MnVS6 are both steel grades, both specialty steel. 38CrMoAl is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 38MnVS6, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). 38CrMoAl is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 14% for 38MnVS6, and 38CrMoAl is harder (310 HB vs 270 HB). 38CrMoAl runs hotter in service (500°C vs 350°C continuous) and 38MnVS6 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 36 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 38MnVS6 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 38MnVS6 welds better (30 vs 18 out of 100).
38CrMoAlChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
38MnVS6Choose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
38CrMoAl vs 38MnVS6: 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
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
Polishability
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 15
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 | 38CrMoAl | 38MnVS6 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Q&T | As Forged |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 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.
38CrMoAl vs 38MnVS6 — frequently asked
Is 38CrMoAl stronger than 38MnVS6?
Yes. 38CrMoAl has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 38MnVS6 — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 38CrMoAl or 38MnVS6?
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, 38CrMoAl or 38MnVS6?
38MnVS6. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (40/100) for 38CrMoAl; for welding the order is 38MnVS6 first (poor, 30/100) then 38CrMoAl (poor, 18/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 38CrMoAl and 38MnVS6 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.