Stainless Steel 3Cr13-CD vs 3Cr13 QT-55HRC
Stainless Steel · 3Cr13 temper comparison
3Cr13-CD and 3Cr13 QT-55HRC are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 3Cr13: CD (cold drawn) versus QT-55HRC (hardened + stress-relief temper 150–200 °C, 52–56 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3Cr13 QT-55HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 3Cr13-CD, about 142% more; tensile strength follows at 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi). In exchange, 3Cr13-CD is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 4% for 3Cr13 QT-55HRC, and 3Cr13-CD is harder (255 HB vs 190 HB). 3Cr13-CD runs hotter in service (450°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 3Cr13-CD machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
3Cr13-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3Cr13 QT-55HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
3Cr13-CD vs 3Cr13 QT-55HRC: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless 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 stainless 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.9 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.4 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 70 L/kg8.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
3Cr13-CD vs 3Cr13 QT-55HRC — frequently asked
Is 3Cr13 QT-55HRC stronger than 3Cr13-CD?
Yes. 3Cr13 QT-55HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 3Cr13-CD — about 142% more. Tensile strength is 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT-55HRC?
A is the default 3Cr13 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor QT-55HRC). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 3Cr13-CD or 3Cr13 QT-55HRC?
3Cr13-CD. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against not recommended (10/100) for 3Cr13 QT-55HRC; for welding the order is 3Cr13 QT-55HRC first (fair, 35/100) then 3Cr13-CD (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3Cr13-CD and 3Cr13 QT-55HRC 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.