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Steel 6CrMnSi2Mo1V vs S4

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 6CrMnSi2Mo1V and S4 are both steel grades. 6CrMnSi2Mo1V is the stronger of the two: yield strength 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for S4, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, S4 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for 6CrMnSi2Mo1V. S4 conducts heat better (25 W/m·K vs 22 W/m·K).

6CrMnSi2Mo1VChoose it when strength drives the design.

S4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

6CrMnSi2Mo1V vs S4: properties

6CrMnSi2Mo1VS4

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

780 MPa113 ksi
720 MPa104 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

490 MPa71.1 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
25%

Reduction in Area

45%
50%

Hardness, Brinell

217 HB
210 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

97 HRB
95 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

228 HV
—

Shear Strength

—
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

—
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.76 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.79 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,400°C2,552 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,455°C2,651 °F
1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in

Electrical Conductivity

—
3.1 % IACS

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

—
-0.55 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
48 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
60%

Weldability

20 / 100
22 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
35 / 100

Castability

25 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

35 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb
33 MJ/kg14,187 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.8 kg CO₂/kg
2.4 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
65 L/kg7.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

40%
35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

101 kN·m/kg
92 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.7 MN·m/kg
26.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

580 kJ/m³
447 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

6.2 mm²/s
6.8 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 7

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 scaleS46CrMnSi2Mo1V

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability6CrMnSi2Mo1VS4
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
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.

6CrMnSi2Mo1V vs S4 — frequently asked

Is 6CrMnSi2Mo1V stronger than S4?

Yes. 6CrMnSi2Mo1V has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for S4 — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 6CrMnSi2Mo1V or S4?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose 6CrMnSi2Mo1V over S4?

Pick 6CrMnSi2Mo1V when strength drives the design. Pick S4 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6CrMnSi2Mo1V and S4 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.