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Steel FeNi42 vs K93500

Steel · grade comparison

Steel FeNi42 and K93500 are both steel grades. FeNi42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) for K93500, about 7% more; tensile strength follows at 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). In exchange, K93500 is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 33% for FeNi42. FeNi42 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous) and FeNi42 conducts electricity better (2.5 % IACS vs 2.1 % IACS).

FeNi42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

K93500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

FeNi42 vs K93500: properties

FeNi42K93500

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

145 GPa21 Msi
141 GPa20.5 Msi

Bulk Modulus

115 GPa16.7 Msi
100 GPa14.5 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

540 MPa78.3 ksi
490 MPa71.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
280 MPa40.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

33%
40%

Reduction in Area

65%
68%

Shear Strength

370 MPa53.7 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

150 J111 ft·lbf
180 J133 ft·lbf

Hardness, Rockwell B

80 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

150 HV
147 HV

Compressive Strength

—
280 MPa40.6 ksi

Same in both: Shear Modulus 57 GPa8.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Brinell 140 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.12 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
8.05 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,427°C2,601 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

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

Specific Heat Capacity

500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
515 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F
1.3 µm/m·K0.72 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
200°C392 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-269°C-452 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 10.5 W/m·K6.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.5 % IACS
2.1 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in
8.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m32.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.55 V
-0.45 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

28%
30%

Weldability

72 / 100
70 / 100

Castability

45 / 100
40 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
65 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Formability (cold) 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7 kg CO₂/kg
7.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

190 L/kg22.8 gal/lb
210 L/kg25.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

67 kN·m/kg
61 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

17.9 MN·m/kg
17.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

310 kJ/m³
278 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

2.6 mm²/s
2.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

7
28

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 scaleK93500FeNi42

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityFeNi42K93500
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 K93500 — frequently asked

Is FeNi42 stronger than K93500?

Yes. FeNi42 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) for K93500 — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, FeNi42 or K93500?

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.

When should I choose FeNi42 over K93500?

Pick FeNi42 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick K93500 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FeNi42 and K93500 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.