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Steel 718H vs P20+Ni

Steel · grade comparison

Steel 718H and P20+Ni are both steel grades, both mold steel. 718H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for P20+Ni, about 109% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, P20+Ni is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 13% for 718H, and 718H is harder (300 HB vs 210 HB). 718H runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, P20+Ni machines more easily (good vs fair) and P20+Ni welds better (50 vs 40 out of 100).

718HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

P20+NiChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

718H vs P20+Ni: properties

718HP20+Ni

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,080 MPa157 ksi
700 MPa102 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

900 MPa131 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
20%

Reduction in Area

45%
55%

Shear Strength

650 MPa94.3 ksi
620 MPa89.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

500 MPa72.5 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in
80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

22 J16.2 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

300 HB
210 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

32 HRC
31 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

320 HV
220 HV

Compressive Strength

—
900 MPa131 ksi

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
95 HRB

Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Liquidus Temperature

1,480°C2,696 °F
1,470°C2,678 °F

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

33 W/m·K19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F
12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

450°C842 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
2.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.45 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

—
-0.62 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 15 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

48 / 100
62 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
70%

Weldability

40 / 100
50 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
30 / 100

Polishability

80 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb
30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.3 kg CO₂/kg
2.2 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

35%
30%

Same in both: Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

138 kN·m/kg
89 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.3 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,976 kJ/m³
440 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

9.2 mm²/s
9.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

14
9

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 scale718HP20+Ni

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability718HP20+Ni
Default conditionPrehardAnnealed
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. 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.

718H vs P20+Ni — frequently asked

Is 718H stronger than P20+Ni?

Yes. 718H has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for P20+Ni — about 109% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 718H or P20+Ni?

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, 718H or P20+Ni?

P20+Ni. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (48/100) for 718H; for welding the order is P20+Ni first (fair, 50/100) then 718H (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 718H and P20+Ni 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.