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Steel A216 WCC vs WCB

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A216 WCC and WCB are both steel grades. A216 WCC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for WCB, about 9% more. In exchange, WCB 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.

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

A216 WCC vs WCB: properties

A216 WCCWCB

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
290 MPa42.1 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
320 MPa46.4 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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 202 GPa29.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 230 MPa33.4 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Liquidus Temperature

1,505°C2,741 °F
1,510°C2,750 °F

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F

Thermal

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

Specific Heat Capacity

470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°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

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °F · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °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%
70%

Weldability

85 / 100
80 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
80 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 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
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 85%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.8 MN·m/kg
25.7 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

246 kJ/m³
208 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.6 mm²/s
13.1 mm²/s

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 66 kN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 11

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 WCCWCB

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA216 WCCWCB
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 WCB — frequently asked

Is A216 WCC stronger than WCB?

Yes. A216 WCC has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for WCB — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A216 WCC or WCB?

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 WCB?

A216 WCC. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (80/100) for WCB.

Ready to make it?

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