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Steel G20NiMoCr4 vs WC1

Steel · grade comparison

Steel G20NiMoCr4 and WC1 are both steel grades. G20NiMoCr4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 18% for G20NiMoCr4, and G20NiMoCr4 is harder (200 HB vs 160 HB). WC1 runs hotter in service (455°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, WC1 welds better (very good vs good).

G20NiMoCr4Choose it when strength drives the design.

WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

G20NiMoCr4 vs WC1: properties

G20NiMoCr4WC1

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

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

660 MPa95.7 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

460 MPa66.7 ksi
305 MPa44.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
28%

Reduction in Area

45%
48%

Compressive Strength

470 MPa68.2 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Shear Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

270 MPa39.2 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

80 J59 ft·lbf
50 J36.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

200 HB
160 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

94 HRB
84 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

210 HV
168 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,500°C2,732 °F
1,505°C2,741 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F

Thermal

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

Specific Heat Capacity

460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Latent Heat of Fusion

250 J/g107 BTU/lb
270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
455°C851 °F

Min Service Temperature

-60°C-76 °F
-29°C-20 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.8 % IACS
8.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 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

13 / 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

55 / 100
70 / 100

Castability

68 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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

Embodied Water

45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

75%
80%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

84 kN·m/kg
66 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.8 MN·m/kg
26.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

504 kJ/m³
227 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

11.6 mm²/s
11.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
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 scaleWC1G20NiMoCr4

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityG20NiMoCr4WC1
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.

G20NiMoCr4 vs WC1 — frequently asked

Is G20NiMoCr4 stronger than WC1?

Yes. G20NiMoCr4 has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, G20NiMoCr4 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, G20NiMoCr4 or WC1?

WC1. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for G20NiMoCr4.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G20NiMoCr4 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.