Steel M1 vs SKH51
Steel · grade comparison
Steel M1 and SKH51 are both steel grades. Both yield at about 550 MPa — strength does not separate them. SKH51 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for M1. M1 is lighter (7.89 g/cm³ vs 8.16 g/cm³ for SKH51) and SKH51 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
M1Choose it when weight is the constraint.
SKH51Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
M1 vs SKH51: 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 217 GPa31.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 550 MPa79.8 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 380 MPa55.1 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 99 HRB · Hardness, Rockwell C 22 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Modulus of Resilience 697 kJ/m³ · 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 | M1 | SKH51 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
M1 vs SKH51 — frequently asked
What is the difference between M1 and SKH51?
Steel M1 and SKH51 are both steel grades. Both yield at about 550 MPa — strength does not separate them. SKH51 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for M1.
Which is cheaper, M1 or SKH51?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, M1 or SKH51?
M1. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for SKH51; for welding the order is M1 first (poor, 25/100) then SKH51 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M1 and SKH51 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.