Steel 45L vs A216 WCA
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 45L and A216 WCA are both steel grades. 45L is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for A216 WCA, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi). In exchange, A216 WCA is the more ductile: elongation 31% versus 12% for 45L, and 45L is harder (207 HB vs 130 HB). A216 WCA conducts electricity better (10 % IACS vs 8.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, A216 WCA machines more easily (68 vs 55 out of 100), A216 WCA welds better (excellent vs poor), and 45L sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than A216 WCA (standard, $$).
45LChoose it when strength drives the design, or when cost is the deciding factor.
A216 WCAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
45L vs A216 WCA: 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 B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°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)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
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 | 45L | A216 WCA |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| 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.
45L vs A216 WCA — frequently asked
Is 45L stronger than A216 WCA?
Yes. 45L has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for A216 WCA — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 455 MPa (66 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 45L or A216 WCA?
45L is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while A216 WCA is standard ($$). 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, 45L or A216 WCA?
A216 WCA, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 55/100 for 45L; for welding the order is A216 WCA first (excellent, 85/100) then 45L (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 45L and A216 WCA 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.