Steel E4340 vs Maraging 250
Steel · grade comparison
Steel E4340 and Maraging 250 are both steel grades, both aerospace steel. Maraging 250 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for E4340, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). Maraging 250 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 16% for E4340, and Maraging 250 is harder (300 HB vs 285 HB). E4340 is stiffer (205 GPa vs 181 GPa) and E4340 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 25.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Maraging 250 welds better (very good vs poor).
Maraging 250Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
E4340 vs Maraging 250: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 450 MPa65.3 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell C 30 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 45%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | E4340 | Maraging 250 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | HR | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
| Passivated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. They share 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
E4340 vs Maraging 250 — frequently asked
Is Maraging 250 stronger than E4340?
Yes. Maraging 250 has a typical yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for E4340 — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which is cheaper, E4340 or Maraging 250?
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 welds better, E4340 or Maraging 250?
Maraging 250. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against poor (30/100) for E4340.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E4340 and Maraging 250 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.