Steel A11 vs CPM 10V
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A11 and CPM 10V are both steel grades, both tool steel. A11 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for CPM 10V, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, CPM 10V is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for A11, and A11 is harder (269 HB vs 255 HB). CPM 10V runs hotter in service (480°C vs 425°C continuous). On the shop floor, CPM 10V sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than A11 (specialty, $$$$$).
A11Choose it when strength drives the design.
CPM 10VChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A11 vs CPM 10V: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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
Bulk Modulus
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 7.41 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.6 µm/m·K5.9 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m25.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Polishability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Formability (cold) 12 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 8
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 | A11 | CPM 10V |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$ Premium |
| 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. 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.
A11 vs CPM 10V — frequently asked
Is A11 stronger than CPM 10V?
Yes. A11 has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for CPM 10V — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A11 or CPM 10V?
CPM 10V is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while A11 is specialty ($$$$$). 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, A11 or CPM 10V?
CPM 10V, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for A11.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A11 and CPM 10V 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.