Steel 1043-N vs 1043 QT-28-32HRC
Steel · 1043 temper comparison
1043-N and 1043 QT-28-32HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1043: N (normalized) versus QT-28-32HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1043 QT-28-32HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for 1043-N, about 103% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 610 MPa (88.5 ksi). In exchange, 1043-N is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 17% for 1043 QT-28-32HRC, and 1043 QT-28-32HRC is harder (293 HB vs 175 HB). 1043 QT-28-32HRC runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1043-N machines more easily (good vs fair) and 1043-N welds better (fair vs poor).
1043-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1043 QT-28-32HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
1043-N vs 1043 QT-28-32HRC: 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
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 · Reduction in Area 50% · Compressive Strength 530 MPa76.9 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °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 W/m·K28.3 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 · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 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.
1043-N vs 1043 QT-28-32HRC — frequently asked
Is 1043 QT-28-32HRC stronger than 1043-N?
Yes. 1043 QT-28-32HRC has a typical yield strength of 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for 1043-N — about 103% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 610 MPa (88.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT-28-32HRC?
CD is the default 1043 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT-28-32HRC). 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, 1043-N or 1043 QT-28-32HRC?
1043-N. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (44/100) for 1043 QT-28-32HRC; for welding the order is 1043-N first (fair, 42/100) then 1043 QT-28-32HRC (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1043-N and 1043 QT-28-32HRC 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.