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Steel DC06 vs SPHD

Steel · grade comparison

Steel DC06 and SPHD are both steel grades. SPHD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for DC06, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, DC06 is the more ductile: elongation 42% versus 37% for SPHD, and SPHD is harder (100 HB vs 88 HB). SPHD runs hotter in service (350°C vs 250°C continuous) and DC06 conducts heat better (58 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K). On the shop floor, SPHD machines more easily (good vs fair).

DC06Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

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

DC06 vs SPHD: properties

DC06SPHD

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

210 GPa30.5 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
80 GPa11.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

150 MPa21.8 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

42%
37%

Reduction in Area

70%
65%

Compressive Strength

150 MPa21.8 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
205 MPa29.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

145 MPa21 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in
100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

88 HB
100 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

42 HRB
55 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

92 HV
105 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 55 J40.6 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,500°C2,732 °F
1,495°C2,723 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,535°C2,795 °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

58 W/m·K33.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
350°C662 °F

Min Service Temperature

-40°C-40 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13 % IACS
10.8 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.51 µΩ·in
1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.6 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

45 / 100
55 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
55%

Weldability

95 / 100
92 / 100

Formability (cold)

99 / 100
90 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

65 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb
25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

35 L/kg4.2 gal/lb
40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

20%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

38 kN·m/kg
41 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

54 kJ/m³
129 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

15.7 mm²/s
13.5 mm²/s

Same in both: 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 scaleSPHDDC06

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityDC06SPHD
Sheet metal—Yes
Default condition—HR
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——
Black Oxide—Yes
Cerakote—Yes
Chrome Plating—Yes
E-Coating—Yes
Hot-Dip Galvanizing—Yes
Nickel Plating—Yes
PTFE Coating—Yes
Painting—Yes
Powder Coating—Yes
Tin Plating—Yes
Zinc Plating—Yes
Zinc-Flake (Dip-Spin) Coating—Yes
Zinc-Nickel Plating—Yes

They share 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.

DC06 vs SPHD — frequently asked

Is SPHD stronger than DC06?

Yes. SPHD has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for DC06 — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, DC06 or SPHD?

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, DC06 or SPHD?

SPHD. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for DC06.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC06 and SPHD 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.