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Steel A216 WCC vs ZG340-640

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A216 WCC and ZG340-640 are both steel grades. ZG340-640 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) for A216 WCC, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, A216 WCC is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 11% for ZG340-640, and ZG340-640 is harder (210 HB vs 170 HB). A216 WCC conducts heat better (50 W/m·K vs 45 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A216 WCC machines more easily (good vs fair) and A216 WCC welds better (excellent vs fair).

A216 WCCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

ZG340-640Choose it when strength drives the design.

A216 WCC vs ZG340-640: properties

A216 WCCZG340-640

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

202 GPa29.3 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

78 GPa11.3 Msi
79 GPa11.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
660 MPa95.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
360 MPa52.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
11%

Reduction in Area

42%
20%

Compressive Strength

315 MPa45.7 ksi
660 MPa95.7 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
270 MPa39.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

42 J31 ft·lbf
12 J8.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

170 HB
210 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

87 HRB
94 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
220 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
7.82 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Liquidus Temperature

1,505°C2,741 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

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

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°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 · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

10 % IACS
8.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 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

60 / 100
50 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
55%

Weldability

85 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: 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
2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

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

Typical Recycled Content

85%
80%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

66 kN·m/kg
84 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.8 MN·m/kg
26.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

246 kJ/m³
316 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.6 mm²/s
12.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
12

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 WCCZG340-640

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA216 WCCZG340-640
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 ZG340-640 — frequently asked

Is ZG340-640 stronger than A216 WCC?

Yes. ZG340-640 has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) for A216 WCC — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A216 WCC or ZG340-640?

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 is easier to machine, A216 WCC or ZG340-640?

A216 WCC. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for ZG340-640; for welding the order is A216 WCC first (excellent, 85/100) then ZG340-640 (fair, 35/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A216 WCC and ZG340-640 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.