FabDigitFabDigit

Steel DX51D vs DX53D

Steel · grade comparison

Steel DX51D and DX53D are both steel grades, both corrosion resistant steel. DX51D is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for DX53D, about 9% more. DX51D is harder — 110 HB against 100 HB for DX53D — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, DX53D forms better (excellent vs good).

DX51DChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

DX51D vs DX53D: properties

DX51DDX53D

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

80 GPa11.6 Msi
81 GPa11.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.3
0.29

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
220 MPa31.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

32%
33%

Reduction in Area

60%
65%

Shear Strength

240 MPa34.8 ksi
215 MPa31.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

160 MPa23.2 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

75 J55.3 ft·lbf
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

110 HB
100 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

62 HRB
50 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

115 HV
110 HV

Compressive Strength

—
220 MPa31.9 ksi

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,525°C2,777 °F
1,520°C2,768 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F

Thermal

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

Min Service Temperature

-30°C-22 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

12 % IACS
11 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.45×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.71 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)

-0.62 V
-1 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

65 / 100
60 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

72%
65%

Weldability

92 / 100
90 / 100

Formability (cold)

68 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb
30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.5 kg CO₂/kg
2.3 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

43 kN·m/kg
42 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.1 MN·m/kg
26.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

140 kJ/m³
115 kJ/m³

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 14.1 mm²/s · 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 scaleDX51DDX53D

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityDX51DDX53D
Default conditionHRHR
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both are offered for Sheet metal. Both take the same 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.

DX51D vs DX53D — frequently asked

Is DX51D stronger than DX53D?

Yes. DX51D has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for DX53D — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, DX51D or DX53D?

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, DX51D or DX53D?

DX51D, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for DX53D.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DX51D and DX53D 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.