Steel A352 Grade LC3 vs WC1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A352 Grade LC3 and WC1 are both steel grades. A352 Grade LC3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 8% more. WC1 runs hotter in service (455°C vs 340°C continuous) and WC1 conducts heat better (42 W/m·K vs 36 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WC1 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than A352 Grade LC3 (premium, $$$).
A352 Grade LC3Choose it when strength drives the design.
WC1Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
A352 Grade LC3 vs WC1: 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
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Brinell 160 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 84 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 168 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Weldability 70 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 80%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 LC3 | WC1 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ 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.
A352 Grade LC3 vs WC1 — frequently asked
Is A352 Grade LC3 stronger than WC1?
Yes. A352 Grade LC3 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A352 Grade LC3 or WC1?
WC1 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while A352 Grade LC3 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose A352 Grade LC3 over WC1?
Pick A352 Grade LC3 when strength drives the design. Pick WC1 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A352 Grade LC3 and WC1 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.