Steel 1026-CD vs 1026 Q&T
Steel · 1026 temper comparison
1026-CD and 1026 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1026: CD (cold drawn) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1026 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for 1026-CD, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). 1026 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 15% for 1026-CD, and 1026 Q&T is harder (187 HB vs 143 HB). On the shop floor, 1026-CD welds better (excellent vs very good).
1026-CDChoose it when it will be welded.
1026 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1026-CD vs 1026 Q&T: 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 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,515°C2,759 °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) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 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 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) -0.61 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: Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 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.
1026-CD vs 1026 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1026 Q&T stronger than 1026-CD?
Yes. 1026 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for 1026-CD — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Q&T?
HR is the default 1026 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Q&T). 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, 1026-CD or 1026 Q&T?
1026-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for 1026 Q&T; for welding the order is 1026-CD first (excellent, 85/100) then 1026 Q&T (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1026-CD and 1026 Q&T 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.