Steel 1038-CD vs 1038 QT-22-26HRC
Steel · 1038 temper comparison
1038-CD and 1038 QT-22-26HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1038: CD (cold drawn) versus QT-22-26HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1038 QT-22-26HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) for 1038-CD, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). 1038 QT-22-26HRC is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 12% for 1038-CD, and 1038 QT-22-26HRC is harder (248 HB vs 179 HB).
1038 QT-22-26HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1038-CD vs 1038 QT-22-26HRC: 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, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 515 MPa74.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 89 HRB
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 1,495°C2,723 °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) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °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) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability 63 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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.
1038-CD vs 1038 QT-22-26HRC — frequently asked
Is 1038 QT-22-26HRC stronger than 1038-CD?
Yes. 1038 QT-22-26HRC has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) for 1038-CD — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT-22-26HRC?
CD is the default 1038 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 welds better, 1038-CD or 1038 QT-22-26HRC?
1038-CD. Its weldability rates fair (48/100) against fair (40/100) for 1038 QT-22-26HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1038-CD and 1038 QT-22-26HRC 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.