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Steel A216 WCC vs LCB

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A216 WCC and LCB are both steel grades. A216 WCC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for LCB, about 11% more. In exchange, LCB is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 25% for A216 WCC, and A216 WCC is harder (170 HB vs 150 HB).

A216 WCCChoose it when strength drives the design.

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

A216 WCC vs LCB: properties

A216 WCCLCB

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

202 GPa29.3 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
500 MPa72.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
285 MPa41.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
28%

Reduction in Area

42%
45%

Compressive Strength

315 MPa45.7 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

42 J31 ft·lbf
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

170 HB
150 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

87 HRB
80 HRB

Same in both: Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · 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
11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

270 J/g116 BTU/lb
272 J/g117 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-29°C-20 °F
-46°C-51 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °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
-0.61 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

60 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
65%

Weldability

85 / 100
82 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
50 L/kg6 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

66 kN·m/kg
64 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.8 MN·m/kg
25.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

246 kJ/m³
203 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.6 mm²/s
13 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
10

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 WCCLCB

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA216 WCCLCB
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 LCB — frequently asked

Is A216 WCC stronger than LCB?

Yes. A216 WCC has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for LCB — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A216 WCC or LCB?

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 LCB?

Pick A216 WCC when strength drives the design. Pick LCB when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

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