Stainless Steel CB6-F vs CB6 Q&T 260
Stainless Steel · CB6 temper comparison
CB6-F and CB6 Q&T 260 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CB6: F (as fabricated) versus Q&T 260 (hardened and low-temperature tempered ~230–280 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CB6 Q&T 260 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) for CB6-F, about 38% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). CB6 Q&T 260 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for CB6-F, and CB6 Q&T 260 is harder (360 HB vs 340 HB). CB6-F runs hotter in service (480°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, CB6 Q&T 260 welds better (fair vs poor).
CB6-FChoose it when the part sees heat.
CB6 Q&T 260Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CB6-F vs CB6 Q&T 260: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 25% · Castability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 72 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
CB6-F vs CB6 Q&T 260 — frequently asked
Is CB6 Q&T 260 stronger than CB6-F?
Yes. CB6 Q&T 260 has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) for CB6-F — about 38% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or Q&T 260?
N+T is the default CB6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor Q&T 260). 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 welds better, CB6-F or CB6 Q&T 260?
CB6 Q&T 260. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (20/100) for CB6-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CB6-F and CB6 Q&T 260 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.