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Steel DX53D vs SECC

Steel · grade comparison

Steel DX53D and SECC are both steel grades, both corrosion resistant steel. SECC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for DX53D, about 9% more. SECC is harder — 58 HRB against 50 HRB for DX53D — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, DX53D forms better (excellent vs very good).

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

DX53D vs SECC: properties

DX53DSECC

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)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

220 MPa31.9 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

33%
36%

Reduction in Area

65%
62%

Compressive Strength

220 MPa31.9 ksi
245 MPa35.5 ksi

Shear Strength

215 MPa31.2 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

155 MPa22.5 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
45 J33.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

100 HB
105 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

50 HRB
58 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

110 HV
112 HV

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,495°C2,723 °F
1,500°C2,732 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,520°C2,768 °F
1,528°C2,782 °F

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

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

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°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 · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °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)

-1 V
-0.98 V

Corrosion Resistance

10 / 100
8 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

60 / 100
62 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

65%
55%

Weldability

90 / 100
88 / 100

Formability (cold)

85 / 100
75 / 100

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

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb
35 MJ/kg15,047 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)

42 kN·m/kg
43 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

115 kJ/m³
140 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

14.1 mm²/s
13.8 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 scaleSECCDX53D

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityDX53DSECC
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.

DX53D vs SECC — frequently asked

Is SECC stronger than DX53D?

Yes. SECC 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, DX53D or SECC?

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.

When should I choose DX53D over SECC?

Pick SECC when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

Ready to make it?

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