Steel E120C-K4-AW vs E120C-K4 PWHT
Steel · E120C-K4 temper comparison
E120C-K4-AW and E120C-K4 PWHT are two conditions of the same steel grade, E120C-K4: AW (as-welded deposit) versus PWHT (post-weld heat treated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E120C-K4-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 730 MPa (106 ksi) for E120C-K4 PWHT, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 810 MPa (117 ksi). In exchange, E120C-K4 PWHT is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 17% for E120C-K4-AW, and E120C-K4-AW is harder (270 HB vs 245 HB).
E120C-K4-AWChoose it when strength drives the design.
E120C-K4 PWHTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
E120C-K4-AW vs E120C-K4 PWHT: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -51°C-60 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 14 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 80 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
E120C-K4-AW vs E120C-K4 PWHT — frequently asked
Is E120C-K4-AW stronger than E120C-K4 PWHT?
Yes. E120C-K4-AW has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 730 MPa (106 ksi) for E120C-K4 PWHT — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 810 MPa (117 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or PWHT?
AW is the default E120C-K4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, E120C-K4-AW or E120C-K4 PWHT?
E120C-K4 PWHT, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 42/100 against 35/100 for E120C-K4-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E120C-K4-AW and E120C-K4 PWHT 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.