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Steel A572 vs EN41B

Steel · grade comparison

Steel A572 and EN41B are both steel grades. EN41B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 740 MPa (107 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for A572, about 106% more; tensile strength follows at 925 MPa (134 ksi) vs 480 MPa (69.6 ksi). In exchange, A572 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 15% for EN41B, and EN41B is harder (269 HB vs 145 HB). EN41B runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous) and A572 conducts heat better (48 W/m·K vs 40 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A572 welds better (very good vs poor).

A572Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

EN41BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

A572 vs EN41B: properties

A572EN41B

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

77 GPa11.2 Msi
80 GPa11.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

480 MPa69.6 ksi
925 MPa134 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

360 MPa52.2 ksi
740 MPa107 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
15%

Reduction in Area

50%
45%

Compressive Strength

360 MPa52.2 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Shear Strength

290 MPa42.1 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

215 MPa31.2 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

145 HB
269 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

78 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

152 HV
285 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
27 HRC

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,510°C2,750 °F
1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
40 W/m·K23.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
460 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

Latent Heat of Fusion

270 J/g116 BTU/lb
260 J/g112 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
450°C842 °F

Min Service Temperature

-20°C-4 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

9 % IACS
—

Electrical Resistivity

1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
—

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
50%

Weldability

82 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
25 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

60 / 100
—

Polishability

45 / 100
70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2 kg CO₂/kg
2.3 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

61 kN·m/kg
119 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
26.3 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

324 kJ/m³
1,336 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

13 mm²/s
11.1 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

10
15

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 scaleA572EN41B

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA572EN41B
Default conditionHRQ&T
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 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.

A572 vs EN41B — frequently asked

Is EN41B stronger than A572?

Yes. EN41B has a typical yield strength of 740 MPa (107 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for A572 — about 106% more. Tensile strength is 925 MPa (134 ksi) vs 480 MPa (69.6 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A572 or EN41B?

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, A572 or EN41B?

A572. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for EN41B; for welding the order is A572 first (very good, 82/100) then EN41B (poor, 20/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A572 and EN41B 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.