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Steel WC1 vs ZG35CrMnSi

Steel · grade comparison

Steel WC1 and ZG35CrMnSi are both steel grades. ZG35CrMnSi is the stronger of the two: yield strength 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, WC1 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 15% for ZG35CrMnSi, and ZG35CrMnSi is harder (217 HB vs 160 HB). WC1 runs hotter in service (455°C vs 400°C continuous) and WC1 conducts electricity better (8.5 % IACS vs 7.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, WC1 machines more easily (good vs fair) and WC1 welds better (very good vs fair).

WC1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

ZG35CrMnSiChoose it when strength drives the design.

WC1 vs ZG35CrMnSi: properties

WC1ZG35CrMnSi

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

305 MPa44.2 ksi
460 MPa66.7 ksi

Elongation at Break

28%
15%

Reduction in Area

48%
33%

Compressive Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
470 MPa68.2 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
460 MPa66.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

50 J36.9 ft·lbf
27 J19.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

160 HB
217 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

84 HRB
96 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

168 HV
228 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
20 HRC

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.82 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,425°C2,597 °F
1,420°C2,588 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,505°C2,741 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
40 W/m·K23.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

455°C851 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-29°C-20 °F
-20°C-4 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

8.5 % IACS
7.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
-0.62 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
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
55%

Weldability

70 / 100
35 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
65 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Typical Recycled Content

80%
85%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

66 kN·m/kg
97 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.1 MN·m/kg
26.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

227 kJ/m³
516 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

11.4 mm²/s
10.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

9
12

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 scaleWC1ZG35CrMnSi

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityWC1ZG35CrMnSi
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 ZG35CrMnSi — frequently asked

Is ZG35CrMnSi stronger than WC1?

Yes. ZG35CrMnSi has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, WC1 or ZG35CrMnSi?

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 is easier to machine, WC1 or ZG35CrMnSi?

WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (45/100) for ZG35CrMnSi; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then ZG35CrMnSi (fair, 35/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC1 and ZG35CrMnSi 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.