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Steel A216 WCC vs GS240

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A216 WCC and GS240 are both steel grades. A216 WCC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for GS240, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 480 MPa (69.6 ksi). A216 WCC is harder — 170 HB against 150 HB for GS240 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.

A216 WCCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

A216 WCC vs GS240: properties

A216 WCCGS240

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

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
265 MPa38.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
23%

Reduction in Area

42%
45%

Compressive Strength

315 MPa45.7 ksi
265 MPa38.4 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

42 J31 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

170 HB
150 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

87 HRB
80 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
158 HV

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

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 Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F
12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

425°C797 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-29°C-20 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

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
-0.61 V

Corrosion Resistance

12 / 100
10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

60 / 100
62 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
65%

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
72 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 85 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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

Embodied Water

55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 85%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

66 kN·m/kg
61 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.8 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

246 kJ/m³
167 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
10

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 13.6 mm²/s

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 WCCGS240

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA216 WCCGS240
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 GS240 — frequently asked

Is A216 WCC stronger than GS240?

Yes. A216 WCC has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for GS240 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 480 MPa (69.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A216 WCC or GS240?

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.

When should I choose A216 WCC over GS240?

Pick A216 WCC when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A216 WCC and GS240 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.