Steel H13 vs SKD61
Steel · grade comparison
Steel H13 and SKD61 are both steel grades, both heat resistant steel. H13 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for SKD61, about 25% more. On the shop floor, SKD61 machines more easily (good vs fair), SKD61 forms better (30 vs 20 out of 100), and SKD61 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than H13 (high, $$$$).
H13Choose it when strength drives the design.
SKD61Choose it when the part is machined in volume, or when cost is the deciding factor.
H13 vs SKD61: 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.
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 760 MPa110 ksi · Elongation at Break 25% · Reduction in Area 50% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 40 J29.5 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.5 W/m·K14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 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.
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 97 kN·m/kg · Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.9 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 6.8 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 8
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 | H13 | SKD61 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
| Passivated (Metal AM) | Yes | — |
| Plated (Metal AM) | Yes | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining. They share 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
H13 vs SKD61 — frequently asked
Is H13 stronger than SKD61?
Yes. H13 has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for SKD61 — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which is cheaper, H13 or SKD61?
SKD61 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while H13 is high ($$$$). 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, H13 or SKD61?
SKD61. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for H13.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in H13 and SKD61 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.