Short answer: Yield strength is the stress at which a metal starts to deform permanently; tensile (ultimate) strength is the maximum stress it reaches before breaking. Design is normally based on yield, while tensile sets the safety margin against overload.
At a Glance
The Two Numbers
Yield (Re/Rp0.2) marks the end of elastic, reversible behaviour; tensile (Rm, UTS) is the peak load before necking. Both appear on every mill certificate — see our Mill Test Certificate Guide. The concepts underpin Low Carbon Vs High Carbon Steel and alloy selection.
Yield Ratio & Design
The yield-to-tensile ratio (Re/Rm, often 0.5-0.9) hints at ductility and cold-forming ability; a low ratio means more reserve before failure. Structural grades are compared on yield in S355 Vs S275 Steel ve En 10025 Structural Steel.
Why It Matters
Engineers size parts so working stress stays below yield (with a safety factor), using tensile as the overload ceiling. Fatigue life is a separate concern, covered in Metal Fatigue Endurance Limit.
Get a Quote
Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.
Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
Yield is the stress where permanent deformation begins; tensile (UTS) is the maximum stress before fracture. Design uses yield; tensile gives the overload margin.
Yield is the primary design limit — parts are sized to stay below it; tensile strength indicates reserve capacity before breaking.
It depends on use: around 0.5-0.7 for ductile, cold-formable steels; higher ratios indicate stronger-but-less-ductile, higher-strength grades.
Every HXSCO lot ships with a mill test certificate showing yield, tensile, elongation and other mechanical properties per the ordered grade.
Specify Strength with HXSCO
HXSCO supplies steels with full mechanical data on the mill certificate — yield, tensile and elongation to your design spec. Send your grade and requirement for a quote.