Steel 40CrNiMoA vs H11
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 40CrNiMoA and H11 are both steel grades. 40CrNiMoA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 510 MPa (74 ksi) for H11, about 86% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, H11 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 16% for 40CrNiMoA, and 40CrNiMoA is harder (320 HB vs 200 HB). H11 runs hotter in service (540°C vs 400°C continuous) and 40CrNiMoA conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 25 W/m·K). On the shop floor, H11 machines more easily (good vs fair).
40CrNiMoAChoose it when strength drives the design.
H11Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
40CrNiMoA vs H11: 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
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: 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).
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
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 | 40CrNiMoA | H11 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Q&T | Annealed |
| 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. 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.
40CrNiMoA vs H11 — frequently asked
Is 40CrNiMoA stronger than H11?
Yes. 40CrNiMoA has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 510 MPa (74 ksi) for H11 — about 86% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 40CrNiMoA or H11?
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, 40CrNiMoA or H11?
H11. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (42/100) for 40CrNiMoA; for welding the order is H11 first (fair, 35/100) then 40CrNiMoA (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 40CrNiMoA and H11 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.