Steel 4J29 vs GX3Ni36
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 4J29 and GX3Ni36 are both steel grades. 4J29 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36, about 44% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). 4J29 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for GX3Ni36, and 4J29 is harder (150 HB vs 130 HB). GX3Ni36 is lighter (8.1 g/cm³ vs 8.36 g/cm³ for 4J29) and 4J29 runs hotter in service (450°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4J29 welds better (very good vs good).
4J29Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
GX3Ni36Choose it when weight is the constraint.
4J29 vs GX3Ni36: 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)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
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 | 4J29 | GX3Ni36 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
4J29 vs GX3Ni36 — frequently asked
Is 4J29 stronger than GX3Ni36?
Yes. 4J29 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36 — about 44% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4J29 or GX3Ni36?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 4J29 or GX3Ni36?
4J29. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for GX3Ni36; for welding the order is 4J29 first (very good, 75/100) then GX3Ni36 (good, 58/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4J29 and GX3Ni36 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.