Steel 3Cr2Mo vs P2
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 3Cr2Mo and P2 are both steel grades. 3Cr2Mo is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for P2, about 152% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi). In exchange, P2 is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 15% for 3Cr2Mo, and 3Cr2Mo is harder (300 HB vs 110 HB). P2 conducts heat better (40 W/m·K vs 32 W/m·K). On the shop floor, P2 machines more easily (very good vs good), P2 welds better (good vs fair), and 3Cr2Mo sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than P2 (premium, $$$).
3Cr2MoChoose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
P2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
3Cr2Mo vs P2: 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
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
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
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
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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 | 3Cr2Mo | P2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
3Cr2Mo vs P2 — frequently asked
Is 3Cr2Mo stronger than P2?
Yes. 3Cr2Mo has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for P2 — about 152% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 3Cr2Mo or P2?
3Cr2Mo is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while P2 is premium ($$$). 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, 3Cr2Mo or P2?
P2. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for 3Cr2Mo; for welding the order is P2 first (good, 60/100) then 3Cr2Mo (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3Cr2Mo and P2 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.