Steel 55Cr3 vs C45E
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 55Cr3 and C45E are both steel grades. 55Cr3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C45E, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, C45E is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 16% for 55Cr3, and 55Cr3 is harder (225 HB vs 190 HB). 55Cr3 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and C45E conducts electricity better (10 % IACS vs 7.8 % IACS). On the shop floor, C45E welds better (fair vs poor) and C45E sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 55Cr3 (standard, $$).
55Cr3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C45EChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
55Cr3 vs C45E: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 40%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F
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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 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
Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · 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 | 55Cr3 | C45E |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Normalized |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| 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.
55Cr3 vs C45E — frequently asked
Is 55Cr3 stronger than C45E?
Yes. 55Cr3 has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C45E — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 55Cr3 or C45E?
C45E is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 55Cr3 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, 55Cr3 or C45E?
C45E. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 55Cr3; for welding the order is C45E first (fair, 45/100) then 55Cr3 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 55Cr3 and C45E 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.