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Steel A570 vs DC03

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A570 and DC03 are both steel grades. A570 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for DC03, about 46% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, DC03 is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 22% for A570, and A570 is harder (120 HB vs 95 HB). A570 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, A570 machines more easily (good vs fair).

A570Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

DC03Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

A570 vs DC03: properties

A570DC03

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
80 GPa11.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

400 MPa58 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

285 MPa41.3 ksi
195 MPa28.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
38%

Reduction in Area

55%
65%

Shear Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

120 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

70 HRB
55 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

—
100 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,510°C2,750 °F
1,525°C2,777 °F

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

51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F
54 W/m·K31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F
12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
350°C662 °F

Min Service Temperature

-20°C-4 °F
-30°C-22 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

10.8 % IACS
11 % IACS

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.65 V
-0.61 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 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

92 / 100
95 / 100

Formability (cold)

70 / 100
88 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2 kg CO₂/kg
2.3 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

51 kN·m/kg
39 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

203 kJ/m³
91 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13.6 mm²/s
14.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

9
7

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 scaleDC03A570

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA570DC03
Default condition——
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
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.

A570 vs DC03 — frequently asked

Is A570 stronger than DC03?

Yes. A570 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for DC03 — about 46% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A570 or DC03?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, A570 or DC03?

A570. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for DC03.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A570 and DC03 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.