Steel S460-ML vs S460 Normalized
Steel · S460 temper comparison
S460-ML and S460 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, S460: ML (thermo-mechanically rolled, low-temperature grade) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S460-ML is the stronger of the two: yield strength 495 MPa (71.8 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for S460 Normalized, about 5% more. On the shop floor, S460-ML welds better (excellent vs very good).
S460-MLChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
S460-ML vs S460 Normalized: 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
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 0.3 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell C 11 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
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 55 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 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.
S460-ML vs S460 Normalized — frequently asked
Is S460-ML stronger than S460 Normalized?
Yes. S460-ML has a typical yield strength of 495 MPa (71.8 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for S460 Normalized — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ML or Normalized?
Normalized is the default S460 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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 welds better, S460-ML or S460 Normalized?
S460-ML. Its weldability rates excellent (87/100) against very good (75/100) for S460 Normalized.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S460-ML and S460 Normalized 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.