Steel A352 Grade LC1 vs WC5
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A352 Grade LC1 and WC5 are both steel grades. WC5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for A352 Grade LC1, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi). In exchange, A352 Grade LC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 24% for WC5, and WC5 is harder (170 HB vs 150 HB). WC5 runs hotter in service (540°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, A352 Grade LC1 welds better (very good vs good) and A352 Grade LC1 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than WC5 (premium, $$$).
A352 Grade LC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
WC5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
A352 Grade LC1 vs WC5: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 45%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 11.4 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 9
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | A352 Grade LC1 | WC5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
A352 Grade LC1 vs WC5 — frequently asked
Is WC5 stronger than A352 Grade LC1?
Yes. WC5 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for A352 Grade LC1 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A352 Grade LC1 or WC5?
A352 Grade LC1 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while WC5 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, A352 Grade LC1 or WC5?
A352 Grade LC1. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (60/100) for WC5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A352 Grade LC1 and WC5 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.