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Steel G25NiCrMo6 vs WC4

Steel · grade comparison

Steel G25NiCrMo6 and WC4 are both steel grades. G25NiCrMo6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4, about 91% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi). In exchange, WC4 is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 13% for G25NiCrMo6, and G25NiCrMo6 is harder (255 HB vs 163 HB). WC4 runs hotter in service (540°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, WC4 machines more easily (good vs fair) and WC4 welds better (good vs fair).

G25NiCrMo6Choose it when strength drives the design.

WC4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

G25NiCrMo6 vs WC4: properties

G25NiCrMo6WC4

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

208 GPa30.2 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Shear Modulus

80 GPa11.6 Msi
78 GPa11.3 Msi

Bulk Modulus

165 GPa23.9 Msi
160 GPa23.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

860 MPa125 ksi
545 MPa79 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

640 MPa92.8 ksi
335 MPa48.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
24%

Reduction in Area

35%
50%

Compressive Strength

650 MPa94.3 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Shear Strength

520 MPa75.4 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

360 MPa52.2 ksi
235 MPa34.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in
120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
48 J35.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

255 HB
163 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

25 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

268 HV
—

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
85 HRB

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,420°C2,588 °F
1,425°C2,597 °F

Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F
42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
540°C1,004 °F

Min Service Temperature

-60°C-76 °F
-29°C-20 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.2 % IACS
7.8 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.45 µΩ·in
2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

16 / 100
14 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
60%

Weldability

40 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

65 / 100
70 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb
26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

80%
75%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

110 kN·m/kg
70 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.6 MN·m/kg
25.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

985 kJ/m³
281 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

10.3 mm²/s
11.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

13
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 scaleWC4G25NiCrMo6

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityG25NiCrMo6WC4
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.

G25NiCrMo6 vs WC4 — frequently asked

Is G25NiCrMo6 stronger than WC4?

Yes. G25NiCrMo6 has a typical yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4 — about 91% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi).

Which is cheaper, G25NiCrMo6 or WC4?

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, G25NiCrMo6 or WC4?

WC4. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (45/100) for G25NiCrMo6; for welding the order is WC4 first (good, 55/100) then G25NiCrMo6 (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G25NiCrMo6 and WC4 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.