Steel 1042 QT-28-32HRC vs 1042 QT-540
Steel · 1042 temper comparison
1042 QT-28-32HRC and 1042 QT-540 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1042: QT-28-32HRC versus QT-540 (Q&T 540 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1042 QT-28-32HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 1042 QT-540, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 965 MPa (140 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, 1042 QT-540 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 16% for 1042 QT-28-32HRC, and 1042 QT-28-32HRC is harder (293 HB vs 235 HB). 1042 QT-540 runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1042 QT-540 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 1042 QT-540 welds better (fair vs poor).
1042 QT-28-32HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
1042 QT-540Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1042 QT-28-32HRC vs 1042 QT-540: 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 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 540 MPa78.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 90 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 49.8 W/m·K28.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.7 % 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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 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 50 L/kg6 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.
1042 QT-28-32HRC vs 1042 QT-540 — frequently asked
Is 1042 QT-28-32HRC stronger than 1042 QT-540?
Yes. 1042 QT-28-32HRC has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 1042 QT-540 — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 965 MPa (140 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, QT-28-32HRC or QT-540?
CD is the default 1042 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither QT-28-32HRC nor QT-540). 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, 1042 QT-28-32HRC or 1042 QT-540?
1042 QT-540. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 1042 QT-28-32HRC; for welding the order is 1042 QT-540 first (fair, 40/100) then 1042 QT-28-32HRC (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1042 QT-28-32HRC and 1042 QT-540 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.