Steel P20 vs P20+Ni
Steel · grade comparison
Steel P20 and P20+Ni are both steel grades, both mold steel. Both yield at about 440 MPa — strength does not separate them. P20 is harder — 315 HV against 220 HV for P20+Ni — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. P20 runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, P20+Ni sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than P20 (specialty, $$$$$).
P20Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
P20+NiChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
P20 vs P20+Ni: 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 700 MPa102 ksi · Elongation at Break 20% · Reduction in Area 55% · Compressive Strength 900 MPa131 ksi · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell C 31 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 15 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 50 / 100 · Formability (cold) 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 9
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 | P20 | P20+Ni |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$ Standard |
| 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.
P20 vs P20+Ni — frequently asked
What is the difference between P20 and P20+Ni?
Steel P20 and P20+Ni are both steel grades, both mold steel. Both yield at about 440 MPa — strength does not separate them. P20 is harder — 315 HV against 220 HV for P20+Ni — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
Which is cheaper, P20 or P20+Ni?
P20+Ni is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while P20 is specialty ($$$$$). 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 P20 over P20+Ni?
Pick P20 when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat. Pick P20+Ni when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P20 and P20+Ni 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.