Stainless Steel CB6 N+T vs CB6 Q&T 590
Stainless Steel · CB6 temper comparison
CB6 N+T and CB6 Q&T 590 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CB6: N+T (normalized and tempered) versus Q&T 590 (hardened and tempered at ~590 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CB6 Q&T 590 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CB6 N+T, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, CB6 N+T is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 13% for CB6 Q&T 590, and CB6 Q&T 590 is harder (270 HB vs 230 HB). CB6 N+T runs hotter in service (620°C vs 550°C continuous).
CB6 N+TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CB6 Q&T 590Choose it when strength drives the design.
CB6 N+T vs CB6 Q&T 590: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Reduction in Area 42% · Compressive Strength 560 MPa81.2 ksi · Shear Strength 480 MPa69.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 242 HV
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 25 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 12 / 100 · 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 N+T vs CB6 Q&T 590 — frequently asked
Is CB6 Q&T 590 stronger than CB6 N+T?
Yes. CB6 Q&T 590 has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CB6 N+T — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N+T or Q&T 590?
N+T is the default CB6 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, CB6 N+T or CB6 Q&T 590?
CB6 N+T, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for CB6 Q&T 590.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CB6 N+T and CB6 Q&T 590 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.