Steel A588 vs DX51D
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A588 and DX51D are both steel grades, both corrosion resistant steel. A588 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for DX51D, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, DX51D is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 25% for A588, and A588 is harder (155 HB vs 110 HB). DX51D conducts electricity better (12 % IACS vs 8.6 % IACS). On the shop floor, DX51D machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100) and DX51D welds better (excellent vs very good).
A588Choose it when strength drives the design.
DX51DChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
A588 vs DX51D: 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
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, Vickers
Same in both: 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.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °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
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
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 | A588 | DX51D |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | HR | HR |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| AlCrN | Yes | — |
| AlTiN | Yes | — |
| CVD Al2O3 | Yes | — |
| CVD TiCN | Yes | — |
| CVD TiN | Yes | — |
| CrN | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| HVOF Coating | Yes | — |
| MoS2 | Yes | — |
| Multilayer CVD | Yes | — |
| TiAlN | Yes | — |
| TiB2 | Yes | — |
| TiCN | Yes | — |
| TiN | Yes | — |
| WC/C | Yes | — |
| ZrN | Yes | — |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. They share 22 finishes: Black Oxide, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Manganese Phosphate, Nickel Plating and 10 more.
A588 vs DX51D — frequently asked
Is A588 stronger than DX51D?
Yes. A588 has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for DX51D — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A588 or DX51D?
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, A588 or DX51D?
DX51D, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for A588; for welding the order is DX51D first (excellent, 92/100) then A588 (very good, 78/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A588 and DX51D 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.