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Steel 4320 vs 4620

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 4320 and 4620 are both steel grades, both case hardening steel. 4320 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for 4620, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi). In exchange, 4620 is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 22% for 4320, and 4320 is harder (187 HB vs 163 HB). 4620 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4620 welds better (good vs fair) and 4620 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than 4320 (premium, $$$).

4320Choose it when strength drives the design.

4620Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

4320 vs 4620: properties

43204620

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

640 MPa92.8 ksi
570 MPa82.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

415 MPa60.2 ksi
360 MPa52.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
26%

Reduction in Area

50%
55%

Shear Strength

415 MPa60.2 ksi
380 MPa55.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

70 J51.6 ft·lbf
85 J62.7 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

187 HB
163 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

90 HRB
84 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F
11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

270 J/g116 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-60°C-76 °F
-50°C-58 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

—
8 % IACS

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.6 V
-0.61 V

Corrosion Resistance

11 / 100
12 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

50 / 100
57 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
65%

Weldability

40 / 100
65 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
58 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb
29 MJ/kg12,468 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.3 kg CO₂/kg
2.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

50 L/kg6 gal/lb
55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

82 kN·m/kg
73 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

420 kJ/m³
316 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

11.8 mm²/s
12.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
11

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.1 MN·m/kg

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale43204620

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability43204620
Default conditionHRHR
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 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.

4320 vs 4620 — frequently asked

Is 4320 stronger than 4620?

Yes. 4320 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for 4620 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 4320 or 4620?

4620 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while 4320 is premium ($$$). 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, 4320 or 4620?

4620. Its machinability rates good (57/100) against fair (50/100) for 4320; for welding the order is 4620 first (good, 65/100) then 4320 (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4320 and 4620 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.