Steel M36 vs M45
Steel · grade comparison
Steel M36 and M45 are both steel grades, both electrical steel. M45 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for M36, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi). In exchange, M36 is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 12% for M45, and M45 is harder (269 HB vs 248 HB). M36 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 200°C continuous).
M36Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
M45Choose it when strength drives the design.
M36 vs M45: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 217 GPa31.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
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
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Electrical Conductivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 18 / 100
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 15 / 100 · Castability 25 / 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.
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 | M36 | M45 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. Both take the same 22 finishes: Black Oxide, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Manganese Phosphate, Nickel Plating and 10 more.
M36 vs M45 — frequently asked
Is M45 stronger than M36?
Yes. M45 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for M36 — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi).
Which is cheaper, M36 or M45?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose M36 over M45?
Pick M36 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick M45 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M36 and M45 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.