Steel G32NiCrMo8-5-4 vs WC1
Steel · grade comparison
Steel G32NiCrMo8-5-4 and WC1 are both steel grades. G32NiCrMo8-5-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 189% more; tensile strength follows at 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for G32NiCrMo8-5-4, and G32NiCrMo8-5-4 is harder (310 HB vs 160 HB). WC1 runs hotter in service (455°C vs 350°C continuous) and WC1 conducts electricity better (8.5 % IACS vs 7.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, WC1 machines more easily (good vs poor), WC1 welds better (very good vs poor), and WC1 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than G32NiCrMo8-5-4 (premium, $$$).
G32NiCrMo8-5-4Choose it when strength drives the design.
WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
G32NiCrMo8-5-4 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | G32NiCrMo8-5-4 | WC1 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ 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.
G32NiCrMo8-5-4 vs WC1 — frequently asked
Is G32NiCrMo8-5-4 stronger than WC1?
Yes. G32NiCrMo8-5-4 has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 189% more. Tensile strength is 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, G32NiCrMo8-5-4 or WC1?
WC1 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while G32NiCrMo8-5-4 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, G32NiCrMo8-5-4 or WC1?
WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against poor (32/100) for G32NiCrMo8-5-4; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then G32NiCrMo8-5-4 (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in G32NiCrMo8-5-4 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.