Steel WC1 vs ZG20CrMo
Steel · grade comparison
Steel WC1 and ZG20CrMo are both steel grades. WC1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for ZG20CrMo, about 7% more. WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 21% for ZG20CrMo. ZG20CrMo runs hotter in service (510°C vs 455°C continuous).
WC1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZG20CrMoChoose it when the part sees heat.
WC1 vs ZG20CrMo: 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)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 160 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 84 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 168 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 66 kN·m/kg
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 | WC1 | ZG20CrMo |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
WC1 vs ZG20CrMo — frequently asked
Is WC1 stronger than ZG20CrMo?
Yes. WC1 has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for ZG20CrMo — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WC1 or ZG20CrMo?
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.
Which welds better, WC1 or ZG20CrMo?
WC1. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for ZG20CrMo.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC1 and ZG20CrMo 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.