Steel G17CrMo5-5 vs WC1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel G17CrMo5-5 and WC1 are both steel grades. G17CrMo5-5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 25% 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 22% for G17CrMo5-5, and G17CrMo5-5 is harder (175 HB vs 160 HB). G17CrMo5-5 runs hotter in service (550°C vs 455°C continuous). On the shop floor, WC1 welds better (very good vs good).
G17CrMo5-5Choose 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.
G17CrMo5-5 vs WC1: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 48% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 50 J36.9 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °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
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | G17CrMo5-5 | WC1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
G17CrMo5-5 vs WC1 — frequently asked
Is G17CrMo5-5 stronger than WC1?
Yes. G17CrMo5-5 has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, G17CrMo5-5 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 is easier to machine, G17CrMo5-5 or WC1?
WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for G17CrMo5-5; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then G17CrMo5-5 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G17CrMo5-5 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.