Steel 4330 vs Maraging 250
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 4330 and Maraging 250 are both steel grades, both aerospace steel. Maraging 250 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 4330, about 35% more; tensile strength follows at 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). Maraging 250 is harder — 300 HB against 262 HB for 4330 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 4330 is stiffer (205 GPa vs 181 GPa) and 4330 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 25.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Maraging 250 welds better (very good vs fair) and Maraging 250 forms better (good vs fair).
Maraging 250Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
4330 vs Maraging 250: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
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: Elongation at Break 18%
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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 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)
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
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 | 4330 | Maraging 250 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | HR | 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 |
| Passivated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. They share 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
4330 vs Maraging 250 — frequently asked
Is Maraging 250 stronger than 4330?
Yes. Maraging 250 has a typical yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 4330 — about 35% more. Tensile strength is 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4330 or Maraging 250?
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, 4330 or Maraging 250?
4330, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 45/100 for Maraging 250; for welding the order is Maraging 250 first (very good, 80/100) then 4330 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4330 and Maraging 250 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.