Stainless Steel X46Cr13 +A vs X46Cr13 +C
Stainless Steel · X46Cr13 temper comparison
X46Cr13 +A and X46Cr13 +C are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, X46Cr13: +A (annealed) versus +C (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. X46Cr13 +C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for X46Cr13 +A, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi). In exchange, X46Cr13 +A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 10% for X46Cr13 +C, and X46Cr13 +C is harder (265 HB vs 220 HB).
X46Cr13 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
X46Cr13 +CChoose it when strength drives the design.
X46Cr13 +A vs X46Cr13 +C: 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
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 215 GPa31.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 82 GPa11.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 45% · Compressive Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Shear Strength 480 MPa69.6 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 30 J22.1 ft·lbf · Hardness, Rockwell B 96 HRB
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 30 W/m·K17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.5 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · 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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V · Corrosion Resistance 42 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
X46Cr13 +A vs X46Cr13 +C — frequently asked
Is X46Cr13 +C stronger than X46Cr13 +A?
Yes. X46Cr13 +C has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for X46Cr13 +A — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +C?
+A is the default X46Cr13 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, X46Cr13 +A or X46Cr13 +C?
X46Cr13 +C, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for X46Cr13 +A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in X46Cr13 +A and X46Cr13 +C 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.