Steel 1040-CR vs 1040 Normalized
Steel · 1040 temper comparison
1040-CR and 1040 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1040: CR (cold rolled) versus Normalized. 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 374 MPa (54.2 ksi) for 1040 Normalized, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). In exchange, 1040 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 15% for 1040-CR, and 1040-CR is harder (190 HB vs 170 HB). 1040 Normalized runs hotter in service (425°C vs 300°C continuous).
1040-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
1040 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1040-CR vs 1040 Normalized: 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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 62% · 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-CR vs 1040 Normalized — frequently asked
Is 1040-CR stronger than 1040 Normalized?
Yes. 1040-CR has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 374 MPa (54.2 ksi) for 1040 Normalized — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Normalized?
HR is the default 1040 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Normalized). 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-CR over 1040 Normalized?
Pick 1040-CR when strength drives the design. Pick 1040 Normalized when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1040-CR and 1040 Normalized 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.