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Steel SCM415 vs SNCM220

Steel · grade comparison

Steel SCM415 and SNCM220 are both steel grades, both case hardening steel. SCM415 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for SNCM220, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, SNCM220 is the more ductile: elongation 29% versus 22% for SCM415, and SCM415 is harder (180 HB vs 160 HB).

SCM415Choose it when strength drives the design.

SNCM220Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

SCM415 vs SNCM220: properties

SCM415SNCM220

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

206 GPa29.9 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

640 MPa92.8 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

430 MPa62.4 ksi
385 MPa55.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
29%

Reduction in Area

55%
60%

Compressive Strength

430 MPa62.4 ksi
385 MPa55.8 ksi

Shear Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

290 MPa42.1 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in
95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

55 J40.6 ft·lbf
85 J62.7 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

180 HB
160 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

89 HRB
84 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

190 HV
168 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,430°C2,606 °F
1,425°C2,597 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,510°C2,750 °F
1,505°C2,741 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

473 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F
11.6 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

250 J/g107 BTU/lb
260 J/g112 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-50°C-58 °F
-40°C-40 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

7.8 % IACS
8.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
-0.6 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

58 / 100
55 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
65%

Castability

—
40 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · Formability (cold) 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb
30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

50 L/kg6 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

82 kN·m/kg
71 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.2 MN·m/kg
26.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

449 kJ/m³
362 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

11.9 mm²/s
12.3 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 11

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleSCM415SNCM220

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilitySCM415SNCM220
Default conditionHRHR
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 1.6 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. 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.

SCM415 vs SNCM220 — frequently asked

Is SCM415 stronger than SNCM220?

Yes. SCM415 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) for SNCM220 — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, SCM415 or SNCM220?

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 SCM415 over SNCM220?

Pick SCM415 when strength drives the design. Pick SNCM220 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCM415 and SNCM220 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.