Steel FeNi42 vs GX3Ni36
Steel · grade comparison
Steel FeNi42 and GX3Ni36 are both steel grades. FeNi42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). FeNi42 is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 25% for GX3Ni36, and FeNi42 is harder (140 HB vs 130 HB). FeNi42 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous) and FeNi42 conducts electricity better (2.5 % IACS vs 2.1 % IACS). On the shop floor, FeNi42 welds better (very good vs good).
FeNi42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FeNi42 vs GX3Ni36: 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
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 B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 2.6 mm²/s
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 | FeNi42 | GX3Ni36 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
FeNi42 vs GX3Ni36 — frequently asked
Is FeNi42 stronger than GX3Ni36?
Yes. FeNi42 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36 — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, FeNi42 or GX3Ni36?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, FeNi42 or GX3Ni36?
FeNi42. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (58/100) for GX3Ni36.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FeNi42 and GX3Ni36 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.