Steel A356 Grade 5 vs WC1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A356 Grade 5 and WC1 are both steel grades. A356 Grade 5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 24% for A356 Grade 5, and A356 Grade 5 is harder (170 HB vs 160 HB). A356 Grade 5 runs hotter in service (550°C vs 455°C continuous). On the shop floor, WC1 welds better (very good vs good).
A356 Grade 5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
A356 Grade 5 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 50 J36.9 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · 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
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | A356 Grade 5 | WC1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
A356 Grade 5 vs WC1 — frequently asked
Is A356 Grade 5 stronger than WC1?
Yes. A356 Grade 5 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A356 Grade 5 or WC1?
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, A356 Grade 5 or WC1?
WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (52/100) for A356 Grade 5; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then A356 Grade 5 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356 Grade 5 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.