Steel CPM M4 vs Vanadis 4 Extra
Steel · grade comparison
Steel CPM M4 and Vanadis 4 Extra are both steel grades. Vanadis 4 Extra is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CPM M4, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,050 MPa (297 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi). In exchange, CPM M4 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 1% for Vanadis 4 Extra, and Vanadis 4 Extra is harder (60 HRC vs 23 HRC). Vanadis 4 Extra is lighter (7.7 g/cm³ vs 7.97 g/cm³ for CPM M4) and CPM M4 runs hotter in service (540°C vs 450°C continuous).
CPM M4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Vanadis 4 ExtraChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
CPM M4 vs Vanadis 4 Extra: 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
Bulk 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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24 W/m·K13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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)
Same in both: Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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 | CPM M4 | Vanadis 4 Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
CPM M4 vs Vanadis 4 Extra — frequently asked
Is Vanadis 4 Extra stronger than CPM M4?
Yes. Vanadis 4 Extra has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CPM M4 — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,050 MPa (297 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CPM M4 or Vanadis 4 Extra?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CPM M4 or Vanadis 4 Extra?
CPM M4, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 18/100 for Vanadis 4 Extra.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CPM M4 and Vanadis 4 Extra 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.