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Steel 50CrV4 vs 60Si2MnA

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 50CrV4 and 60Si2MnA are both steel grades, both spring steel. 60Si2MnA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 50CrV4, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi). In exchange, 50CrV4 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 14% for 60Si2MnA, and 60Si2MnA is harder (260 HB vs 225 HB). 50CrV4 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and 50CrV4 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 37 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 50CrV4 machines more easily (good vs fair).

50CrV4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

60Si2MnAChoose it when strength drives the design.

50CrV4 vs 60Si2MnA: properties

50CrV460Si2MnA

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

210 GPa30.5 Msi
206 GPa29.9 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

780 MPa113 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

460 MPa66.7 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
14%

Shear Strength

470 MPa68.2 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

360 MPa52.2 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

225 HB
260 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

97 HRB
100 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

235 HV
270 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 40% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,450°C2,642 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,480°C2,696 °F
1,495°C2,723 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
37 W/m·K21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F
11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
200°C392 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

8 % IACS
6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
2.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.4 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
55%

Polishability

65 / 100
60 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

—
45 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb
26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.2 kg CO₂/kg
2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

99 kN·m/kg
115 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

504 kJ/m³
734 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

12.1 mm²/s
9.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

13
14

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 scale60Si2MnA50CrV4

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability50CrV460Si2MnA
Default conditionAnnealedAnnealed
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ 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.

50CrV4 vs 60Si2MnA — frequently asked

Is 60Si2MnA stronger than 50CrV4?

Yes. 60Si2MnA has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 50CrV4 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 50CrV4 or 60Si2MnA?

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, 50CrV4 or 60Si2MnA?

50CrV4. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 60Si2MnA.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50CrV4 and 60Si2MnA 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.