Steel M42 vs W6Mo5Cr4V2
Steel · grade comparison
Steel M42 and W6Mo5Cr4V2 are both steel grades, both tool steel. M42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for W6Mo5Cr4V2, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi). M42 is harder — 255 HB against 240 HB for W6Mo5Cr4V2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. W6Mo5Cr4V2 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, W6Mo5Cr4V2 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than M42 (specialty, $$$$$).
M42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
W6Mo5Cr4V2Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
M42 vs W6Mo5Cr4V2: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Elongation at Break 12% · Reduction in Area 20%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb
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 | M42 | W6Mo5Cr4V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
M42 vs W6Mo5Cr4V2 — frequently asked
Is M42 stronger than W6Mo5Cr4V2?
Yes. M42 has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for W6Mo5Cr4V2 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi).
Which is cheaper, M42 or W6Mo5Cr4V2?
W6Mo5Cr4V2 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while M42 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose M42 over W6Mo5Cr4V2?
Pick M42 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters. Pick W6Mo5Cr4V2 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M42 and W6Mo5Cr4V2 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.