Steel A514 vs Hardox 400
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A514 and Hardox 400 are both steel grades. Hardox 400 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for A514, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, A514 is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 10% for Hardox 400, and Hardox 400 is harder (400 HB vs 250 HB). A514 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous) and A514 conducts heat better (42 W/m·K vs 34 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A514 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
A514Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Hardox 400Choose it when strength drives the design.
A514 vs Hardox 400: 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
Poisson's Ratio
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)
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7 % IACS
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
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | A514 | Hardox 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Q&T | Q&T |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
A514 vs Hardox 400 — frequently asked
Is Hardox 400 stronger than A514?
Yes. Hardox 400 has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for A514 — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A514 or Hardox 400?
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, A514 or Hardox 400?
A514. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (25/100) for Hardox 400; for welding the order is Hardox 400 first (good, 60/100) then A514 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A514 and Hardox 400 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.