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Steel GX3Ni36 vs K93603

Steel · grade comparison

Steel GX3Ni36 and K93603 are both steel grades. K93603 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). K93603 is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 25% for GX3Ni36, and K93603 is harder (145 HB vs 130 HB). On the shop floor, K93603 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and GX3Ni36 welds better (good vs poor).

GX3Ni36Choose it when it will be welded.

K93603Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

GX3Ni36 vs K93603: properties

GX3Ni36K93603

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

140 GPa20.3 Msi
141 GPa20.5 Msi

Bulk Modulus

105 GPa15.2 Msi
110 GPa16 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

450 MPa65.3 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
270 MPa39.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
32%

Reduction in Area

33%
55%

Compressive Strength

245 MPa35.5 ksi
275 MPa39.9 ksi

Shear Strength

320 MPa46.4 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

195 MPa28.3 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

75 MPa·√m68.3 ksi·√in
—

Hardness, Brinell

130 HB
145 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

73 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

137 HV
152 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 55 GPa8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.1 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
8.05 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,427°C2,601 °F

Same in both: 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
10.5 W/m·K6.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

2.2 µm/m·K1.2 µin/in·°F
1.7 µm/m·K0.94 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-253°C-423 °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).

Corrosion Resistance

25 / 100
28 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.35 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
45%

Weldability

58 / 100
25 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
60 / 100

Castability

50 / 100
35 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

65 / 100
60 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

90 MJ/kg38,693 BTU/lb
80 MJ/kg34,394 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

7 kg CO₂/kg
6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

200 L/kg24 gal/lb
210 L/kg25.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

45%
25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

56 kN·m/kg
60 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

17.3 MN·m/kg
17.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

206 kJ/m³
259 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

2.6 mm²/s
2.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

16
21

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 scaleGX3Ni36K93603

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityGX3Ni36K93603
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 K93603 — frequently asked

Is K93603 stronger than GX3Ni36?

Yes. K93603 has a typical yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for GX3Ni36 — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, GX3Ni36 or K93603?

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 K93603?

K93603. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for GX3Ni36; for welding the order is GX3Ni36 first (good, 58/100) then K93603 (poor, 25/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GX3Ni36 and K93603 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.