Steel 1016 CARB-Q vs 1016-CD
Steel · 1016 temper comparison
1016 CARB-Q and 1016-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1016: CARB-Q (carburized, quenched and low-temperature tempered) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1016 CARB-Q is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 427 MPa (61.9 ksi) for 1016-CD, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 483 MPa (70.1 ksi). In exchange, 1016-CD is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 15% for 1016 CARB-Q, and 1016 CARB-Q is harder (200 HB vs 143 HB). 1016-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1016-CD machines more easily (good vs poor) and 1016-CD welds better (excellent vs poor).
1016 CARB-QChoose it when strength drives the design.
1016-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1016 CARB-Q vs 1016-CD: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Compressive Strength 427 MPa61.9 ksi · Shear Strength 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 78 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.59×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.26 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 78% · Formability (cold) 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 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 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
1016 CARB-Q vs 1016-CD — frequently asked
Is 1016 CARB-Q stronger than 1016-CD?
Yes. 1016 CARB-Q has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 427 MPa (61.9 ksi) for 1016-CD — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 483 MPa (70.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CARB-Q or CD?
CD is the default 1016 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, 1016 CARB-Q or 1016-CD?
1016-CD. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against poor (15/100) for 1016 CARB-Q; for welding the order is 1016-CD first (excellent, 90/100) then 1016 CARB-Q (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1016 CARB-Q and 1016-CD 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.