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Stainless Steel 4Cr13 Annealed vs 4Cr13-QT600

Stainless Steel · 4Cr13 temper comparison

4Cr13 Annealed and 4Cr13-QT600 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 4Cr13: Annealed versus QT600 (Q&T 600–680 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4Cr13-QT600 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 4Cr13 Annealed, about 111% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, 4Cr13 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 15% for 4Cr13-QT600, and 4Cr13-QT600 is harder (300 HB vs 217 HB). 4Cr13-QT600 runs hotter in service (550°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4Cr13 Annealed machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).

4Cr13 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

4Cr13-QT600Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

4Cr13 Annealed vs 4Cr13-QT600: properties

4Cr13 Annealed4Cr13-QT600

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

700 MPa102 ksi
1,000 MPa145 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

380 MPa55.1 ksi
800 MPa116 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
15%

Reduction in Area

50%
45%

Shear Strength

430 MPa62.4 ksi
620 MPa89.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

35 J25.8 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

217 HB
300 HB

Hardness, Vickers

225 HV
310 HV

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 0.28 · Compressive Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 96 HRB

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 1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
550°C1,022 °F

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) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 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

42 / 100
38 / 100

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

45 / 100
35 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
35%

Weldability

30 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 46 MJ/kg19,776 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 80 L/kg9.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 55%

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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale4Cr13

4Cr13 Annealed vs 4Cr13-QT600 — frequently asked

Is 4Cr13-QT600 stronger than 4Cr13 Annealed?

Yes. 4Cr13-QT600 has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 4Cr13 Annealed — about 111% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or QT600?

Annealed is the default 4Cr13 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 4Cr13 Annealed or 4Cr13-QT600?

4Cr13 Annealed, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 4Cr13-QT600; for welding the order is 4Cr13 Annealed first (poor, 30/100) then 4Cr13-QT600 (poor, 25/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4Cr13 Annealed and 4Cr13-QT600 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.