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Steel WC1 vs ZG35CrMo

Steel · grade comparison

Steel WC1 and ZG35CrMo are both steel grades. ZG35CrMo is the stronger of the two: yield strength 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1, about 87% 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 14% for ZG35CrMo, and ZG35CrMo is harder (240 HB vs 160 HB). 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 is machined in volume.

ZG35CrMoChoose it when strength drives the design.

WC1 vs ZG35CrMo: properties

WC1ZG35CrMo

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
208 GPa30.2 Msi

Bulk Modulus

160 GPa23.2 Msi
165 GPa23.9 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

305 MPa44.2 ksi
570 MPa82.7 ksi

Elongation at Break

28%
14%

Reduction in Area

48%
32%

Compressive Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
580 MPa84.1 ksi

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
75 MPa·√m68.3 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

50 J36.9 ft·lbf
38 J28 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

160 HB
240 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

84 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

168 HV
252 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
23 HRC

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,505°C2,741 °F
1,490°C2,714 °F

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F

Thermal

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

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
450°C842 °F

Min Service Temperature

-29°C-20 °F
-30°C-22 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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
—

Electrical Resistivity

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

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.61 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

12 / 100
13 / 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%
50%

Weldability

70 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

70 / 100
62 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 50 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb
25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

2.1 kg CO₂/kg
2 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

80%
75%

Same in both: 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
26.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

227 kJ/m³
781 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

9
12

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 11.4 mm²/s

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 scaleWC1ZG35CrMo

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityWC1ZG35CrMo
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 ZG35CrMo — frequently asked

Is ZG35CrMo stronger than WC1?

Yes. ZG35CrMo has a typical yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) for WC1 — about 87% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, WC1 or ZG35CrMo?

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 ZG35CrMo?

WC1. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (45/100) for ZG35CrMo; for welding the order is WC1 first (very good, 70/100) then ZG35CrMo (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC1 and ZG35CrMo 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.