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Steel G12MoCrV5-2 vs WC1

Steel · grade comparison

Steel G12MoCrV5-2 and WC1 are both steel grades. G12MoCrV5-2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for G12MoCrV5-2, and G12MoCrV5-2 is harder (175 HB vs 160 HB). G12MoCrV5-2 runs hotter in service (540°C vs 455°C continuous) and WC1 conducts electricity better (8.5 % IACS vs 7.2 % IACS). On the shop floor, WC1 welds better (very good vs good).

G12MoCrV5-2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

G12MoCrV5-2 vs WC1: properties

G12MoCrV5-2WC1

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

Bulk Modulus

165 GPa23.9 Msi
160 GPa23.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

570 MPa82.7 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
305 MPa44.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
28%

Reduction in Area

45%
48%

Compressive Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Shear Strength

355 MPa51.5 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in
130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

45 J33.2 ft·lbf
50 J36.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

175 HB
160 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

88 HRB
84 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

185 HV
168 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,450°C2,642 °F
1,425°C2,597 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,510°C2,750 °F
1,505°C2,741 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

41 W/m·K23.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F
12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

540°C1,004 °F
455°C851 °F

Min Service Temperature

-20°C-4 °F
-29°C-20 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.2 % IACS
8.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.45 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.62 V
-0.61 V

Corrosion Resistance

14 / 100
12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

55 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
60%

Weldability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
20 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

24 MJ/kg10,318 BTU/lb
26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

1.9 kg CO₂/kg
2.1 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

70%
80%

Same in both: Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

73 kN·m/kg
66 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

275 kJ/m³
227 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

11.1 mm²/s
11.4 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 9

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 scaleWC1G12MoCrV5-2

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityG12MoCrV5-2WC1
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
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.

G12MoCrV5-2 vs WC1 — frequently asked

Is G12MoCrV5-2 stronger than WC1?

Yes. G12MoCrV5-2 has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, G12MoCrV5-2 or WC1?

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, G12MoCrV5-2 or WC1?

WC1. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for G12MoCrV5-2.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G12MoCrV5-2 and WC1 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.