Stainless Steel X46Cr13 +A vs X46Cr13 H+T550
Stainless Steel · X46Cr13 temper comparison
X46Cr13 +A and X46Cr13 H+T550 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, X46Cr13: +A (annealed) versus H+T550 (hardened and high-temperature tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. X46Cr13 H+T550 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for X46Cr13 +A, about 156% more; tensile strength follows at 1,350 MPa (196 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi). In exchange, X46Cr13 +A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 8% for X46Cr13 H+T550, and X46Cr13 H+T550 is harder (400 HB vs 220 HB). X46Cr13 H+T550 runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, X46Cr13 +A machines more easily (fair vs poor).
X46Cr13 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
X46Cr13 H+T550Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
X46Cr13 +A vs X46Cr13 H+T550: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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 · Compressive Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Shear Strength 480 MPa69.6 ksi · 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · 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
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 %)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 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 H+T550 — frequently asked
Is X46Cr13 H+T550 stronger than X46Cr13 +A?
Yes. X46Cr13 H+T550 has a typical yield strength of 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for X46Cr13 +A — about 156% more. Tensile strength is 1,350 MPa (196 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or H+T550?
+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 H+T550?
X46Cr13 +A. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (20/100) for X46Cr13 H+T550.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in X46Cr13 +A and X46Cr13 H+T550 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.