Steel GCr15 vs M50
Steel · grade comparison
Steel GCr15 and M50 are both steel grades. M50 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for GCr15, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, GCr15 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for M50, and M50 is harder (240 HB vs 195 HB). GCr15 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and GCr15 conducts heat better (44 W/m·K vs 26 W/m·K). On the shop floor, GCr15 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100) and GCr15 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than M50 (premium, $$$).
GCr15Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
M50Choose it when strength drives the design.
GCr15 vs M50: 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
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 B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | GCr15 | M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
GCr15 vs M50 — frequently asked
Is M50 stronger than GCr15?
Yes. M50 has a typical yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for GCr15 — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which is cheaper, GCr15 or M50?
GCr15 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while M50 is premium ($$$). 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, GCr15 or M50?
GCr15, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for M50; for welding the order is GCr15 first (poor, 15/100) then M50 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GCr15 and M50 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.