Steel GX23CrMoV12-1 vs WC4
Steel · grade comparison
Steel GX23CrMoV12-1 and WC4 are both steel grades. GX23CrMoV12-1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi). In exchange, WC4 is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 17% for GX23CrMoV12-1, and GX23CrMoV12-1 is harder (250 HB vs 163 HB). GX23CrMoV12-1 is stiffer (216 GPa vs 200 GPa) and WC4 conducts heat better (42 W/m·K vs 24 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WC4 machines more easily (good vs poor), WC4 welds better (good vs poor), and WC4 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than GX23CrMoV12-1 (premium, $$$).
GX23CrMoV12-1Choose it when strength drives the design.
WC4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
GX23CrMoV12-1 vs WC4: 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.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Electrical Conductivity
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
Polishability
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 | GX23CrMoV12-1 | WC4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
GX23CrMoV12-1 vs WC4 — frequently asked
Is GX23CrMoV12-1 stronger than WC4?
Yes. GX23CrMoV12-1 has a typical yield strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4 — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi).
Which is cheaper, GX23CrMoV12-1 or WC4?
WC4 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while GX23CrMoV12-1 is premium ($$$). 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, GX23CrMoV12-1 or WC4?
WC4. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against poor (32/100) for GX23CrMoV12-1; for welding the order is WC4 first (good, 55/100) then GX23CrMoV12-1 (poor, 32/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GX23CrMoV12-1 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.