Stainless Steel S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC vs S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC
Stainless Steel · S42010 temper comparison
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC and S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, S42010: Q&T 38-44 HRC (hardened and tempered ~450–540 °C) versus Q&T 48-52 HRC (hardened ~1030–1065 °C, tempered 200–300 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 1,720 MPa (249 ksi) vs 1,350 MPa (196 ksi). In exchange, S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 7% for S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC, and S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC is harder (50 HRC vs 41 HRC). S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC runs hotter in service (420°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC vs S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC: 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.
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRCS42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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 · Compressive Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Shear Strength 480 MPa69.6 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 225 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 98 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,454°C2,649 °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) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °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 %)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · 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) 4.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 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.
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC vs S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC — frequently asked
Is S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC stronger than S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC?
Yes. S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) for S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 1,720 MPa (249 ksi) vs 1,350 MPa (196 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T 38-44 HRC or Q&T 48-52 HRC?
Annealed is the default S42010 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T 38-44 HRC nor Q&T 48-52 HRC). 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, S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC or S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC?
S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (12/100) for S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S42010 Q&T 38-44 HRC and S42010 Q&T 48-52 HRC 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.