Steel 1040 Annealed vs 1040-CR
Steel · 1040 temper comparison
1040 Annealed and 1040-CR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1040: Annealed versus CR (cold rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1040-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 353 MPa (51.2 ksi) for 1040 Annealed, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 519 MPa (75.3 ksi). In exchange, 1040 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 15% for 1040-CR, and 1040-CR is harder (190 HB vs 149 HB). 1040 Annealed runs hotter in service (425°C vs 300°C continuous).
1040 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1040-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
1040 Annealed vs 1040-CR: 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 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 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 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.71×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.73 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 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.
1040 Annealed vs 1040-CR — frequently asked
Is 1040-CR stronger than 1040 Annealed?
Yes. 1040-CR has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 353 MPa (51.2 ksi) for 1040 Annealed — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 519 MPa (75.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or CR?
HR is the default 1040 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed nor CR). 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.
When should I choose 1040 Annealed over 1040-CR?
Pick 1040 Annealed when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 1040-CR when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1040 Annealed and 1040-CR 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.