FabDigitFabDigit

Steel GX3Ni36 vs GX5NiS36

Steel · grade comparison

Steel GX3Ni36 and GX5NiS36 are both steel grades. GX3Ni36 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). GX3Ni36 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for GX5NiS36. On the shop floor, GX5NiS36 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and GX3Ni36 welds better (good vs poor).

GX3Ni36Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

GX5NiS36Choose it when the part is machined in volume.

GX3Ni36 vs GX5NiS36: properties

GX3Ni36GX5NiS36

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

450 MPa65.3 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
12%

Reduction in Area

33%
20%

Compressive Strength

245 MPa35.5 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Shear Strength

320 MPa46.4 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

195 MPa28.3 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

75 MPa·√m68.3 ksi·√in
58 MPa·√m52.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
20 J14.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

130 HB
135 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

73 HRB
75 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

137 HV
142 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 55 GPa8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 105 GPa15.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 8.1 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

11 W/m·K6.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
11.5 W/m·K6.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

2.2 µm/m·K1.2 µin/in·°F
3 µm/m·K1.7 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-150°C-238 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 515 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m32.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.35 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

25 / 100
30 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
40 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
35%

Weldability

58 / 100
25 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

50 / 100
60 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

65 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

90 MJ/kg38,693 BTU/lb
110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7 kg CO₂/kg
8.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

45%
35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

56 kN·m/kg
52 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

206 kJ/m³
143 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

2.6 mm²/s
2.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

16
12

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 17.3 MN·m/kg

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 scaleGX3Ni36GX5NiS36

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityGX3Ni36GX5NiS36
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
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.

GX3Ni36 vs GX5NiS36 — frequently asked

Is GX3Ni36 stronger than GX5NiS36?

Yes. GX3Ni36 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, GX3Ni36 or GX5NiS36?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, GX3Ni36 or GX5NiS36?

GX5NiS36. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for GX3Ni36; for welding the order is GX3Ni36 first (good, 58/100) then GX5NiS36 (poor, 25/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GX3Ni36 and GX5NiS36 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.