Steel 1020-HR vs 1020-WQT
Steel · 1020 temper comparison
1020-HR and 1020-WQT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1020: HR (hot rolled) versus WQT (water quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1020-WQT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1020-HR, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 395 MPa (57.3 ksi). In exchange, 1020-HR is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 22% for 1020-WQT, and 1020-WQT is harder (165 HB vs 111 HB). On the shop floor, 1020-HR welds better (95 vs 85 out of 100).
1020-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
1020-WQTChoose it when strength drives the design.
1020-HR vs 1020-WQT: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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 1,518°C2,764 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 45 / 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 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.
1020-HR vs 1020-WQT — frequently asked
Is 1020-WQT stronger than 1020-HR?
Yes. 1020-WQT has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 1020-HR — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 395 MPa (57.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or WQT?
CD is the default 1020 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor WQT). 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, 1020-HR or 1020-WQT?
1020-HR, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 54/100 against 48/100 for 1020-WQT; for welding the order is 1020-HR first (excellent, 95/100) then 1020-WQT (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1020-HR and 1020-WQT 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.