FabDigitFabDigit

Steel A216 WCC vs GE270

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A216 WCC and GE270 are both steel grades. A216 WCC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) for GE270, about 7% more. A216 WCC is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for GE270, and A216 WCC is harder (170 HB vs 155 HB).

A216 WCCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

A216 WCC vs GE270: properties

A216 WCCGE270

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

202 GPa29.3 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

78 GPa11.3 Msi
81 GPa11.7 Msi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
295 MPa42.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
20%

Reduction in Area

42%
35%

Compressive Strength

315 MPa45.7 ksi
295 MPa42.8 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
225 MPa32.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

42 J31 ft·lbf
30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

170 HB
155 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

87 HRB
82 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
163 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 520 MPa75.4 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

270 J/g116 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

425°C797 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-29°C-20 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.65 V
-0.62 V

Corrosion Resistance

12 / 100
10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
65%

Weldability

85 / 100
78 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
78 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb
24 MJ/kg10,318 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
1.9 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.8 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

246 kJ/m³
207 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.6 mm²/s
13 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
10

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 66 kN·m/kg

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 scaleA216 WCCGE270

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA216 WCCGE270
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
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.

A216 WCC vs GE270 — frequently asked

Is A216 WCC stronger than GE270?

Yes. A216 WCC has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) for GE270 — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A216 WCC or GE270?

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 welds better, A216 WCC or GE270?

A216 WCC. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (78/100) for GE270.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A216 WCC and GE270 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.