Steel 1012-CD vs 1012 Normalized
Steel · 1012 temper comparison
1012-CD and 1012 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1012: CD (cold drawn) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1012-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for 1012 Normalized, about 74% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 345 MPa (50 ksi). In exchange, 1012 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 18% for 1012-CD, and 1012-CD is harder (115 HB vs 100 HB).
1012-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1012 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1012-CD vs 1012 Normalized: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all 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 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 110 MPa·√m100 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,525°C2,777 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 85 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
1012-CD vs 1012 Normalized — frequently asked
Is 1012-CD stronger than 1012 Normalized?
Yes. 1012-CD has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for 1012 Normalized — about 74% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 345 MPa (50 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Normalized?
HR is the default 1012 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Normalized). 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, 1012-CD or 1012 Normalized?
1012-CD. Its machinability rates good (57/100) against fair (50/100) for 1012 Normalized.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1012-CD and 1012 Normalized 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.
