Steel GX5NiS36 vs Super Invar
Steel · grade comparison
Steel GX5NiS36 and Super Invar are both steel grades. Super Invar is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). Super Invar is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 12% for GX5NiS36, and Super Invar is harder (150 HB vs 135 HB). GX5NiS36 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, GX5NiS36 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and Super Invar welds better (very good vs poor).
GX5NiS36Choose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
Super InvarChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
GX5NiS36 vs Super Invar: 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
Poisson's Ratio
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: 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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 515 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
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 | GX5NiS36 | Super Invar |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
GX5NiS36 vs Super Invar — frequently asked
Is Super Invar stronger than GX5NiS36?
Yes. Super Invar has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36 — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, GX5NiS36 or Super Invar?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, GX5NiS36 or Super Invar?
GX5NiS36. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for Super Invar; for welding the order is Super Invar first (very good, 70/100) then GX5NiS36 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in GX5NiS36 and Super Invar 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.