Steel 4340M vs 5160
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 4340M and 5160 are both steel grades. 4340M is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 5160, about 4.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi). In exchange, 5160 is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 6% for 4340M, and 4340M is harder (444 HB vs 197 HB). 4340M runs hotter in service (290°C vs 250°C continuous) and 5160 conducts heat better (46 W/m·K vs 34 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 5160 machines more easily (good vs poor), 5160 welds better (poor vs not recommended), and 4340M sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than 5160 (premium, $$$).
4340MChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
5160Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
4340M vs 5160: 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
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
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 | 4340M | 5160 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | HR | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
4340M vs 5160 — frequently asked
Is 4340M stronger than 5160?
Yes. 4340M has a typical yield strength of 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 5160 — about 4.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4340M or 5160?
4340M is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while 5160 is premium ($$$). 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, 4340M or 5160?
5160. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (15/100) for 4340M; for welding the order is 5160 first (poor, 25/100) then 4340M (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4340M and 5160 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.