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Steel DC03 vs DX54D

Steel · grade comparison

Steel DC03 and DX54D are both steel grades. DC03 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for DX54D, about 15% more. DC03 is harder — 95 HB against 90 HB for DX54D — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. DC03 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, DC03 welds better (95 vs 85 out of 100).

DC03Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

DC03 vs DX54D: properties

DC03DX54D

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

80 GPa11.6 Msi
81 GPa11.7 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

195 MPa28.3 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Elongation at Break

38%
40%

Reduction in Area

65%
70%

Shear Strength

230 MPa33.4 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

145 MPa21 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
90 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

55 HRB
45 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
95 HV

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,490°C2,714 °F
1,495°C2,723 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,525°C2,777 °F
1,530°C2,786 °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

54 W/m·K31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
58 W/m·K33.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

247 J/g106 BTU/lb
270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
200°C392 °F

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS · 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)

-0.61 V
-1.03 V

Corrosion Resistance

10 / 100
40 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

95 / 100
85 / 100

Formability (cold)

88 / 100
95 / 100

Polishability

50 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 55% · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb
30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.3 kg CO₂/kg
2.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

39 kN·m/kg
38 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

91 kJ/m³
69 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

14.6 mm²/s
16.1 mm²/s

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.8 MN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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 scaleDC03DX54D

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityDC03DX54D
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.

DC03 vs DX54D — frequently asked

Is DC03 stronger than DX54D?

Yes. DC03 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for DX54D — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, DC03 or DX54D?

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 welds better, DC03 or DX54D?

DC03. Its weldability rates excellent (95/100) against excellent (85/100) for DX54D.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC03 and DX54D 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.