Steel S420MC-AW vs S420MC-SR
Steel · S420MC temper comparison
S420MC-AW and S420MC-SR are two conditions of the same steel grade, S420MC: AW (as-welded deposit) versus SR (stress relieved). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 410 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (as-welded deposit versus stress relieved). S420MC-SR is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 16% for S420MC-AW, and S420MC-AW is harder (190 HB vs 155 HB). S420MC-SR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, S420MC-SR machines more easily (good vs fair).
S420MC-SRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S420MC-AW vs S420MC-SR: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
S420MC-AW vs S420MC-SR — frequently asked
What is the difference between S420MC-AW and S420MC-SR?
S420MC-AW and S420MC-SR are two conditions of the same steel grade, S420MC: AW (as-welded deposit) versus SR (stress relieved). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 410 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (as-welded deposit versus stress relieved).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or SR?
TM is the default S420MC condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor SR). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, S420MC-AW or S420MC-SR?
S420MC-SR. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (45/100) for S420MC-AW; for welding the order is S420MC-SR first (excellent, 90/100) then S420MC-AW (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S420MC-AW and S420MC-SR 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.