Steel 1045-IH vs 1045 QT 22-26HRC
Steel · 1045 temper comparison
1045-IH and 1045 QT 22-26HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1045: IH (induction hardened) versus QT 22-26HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1045 QT 22-26HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 1045-IH, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). 1045 QT 22-26HRC is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for 1045-IH, and 1045-IH is harder (600 HB vs 250 HB). 1045 QT 22-26HRC runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous) and 1045 QT 22-26HRC conducts electricity better (10.8 % IACS vs 9.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, 1045 QT 22-26HRC machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 1045 QT 22-26HRC welds better (fair vs poor).
1045 QT 22-26HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1045-IH vs 1045 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Hardness, Rockwell B 89 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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: Castability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
1045-IH vs 1045 QT 22-26HRC — frequently asked
Is 1045 QT 22-26HRC stronger than 1045-IH?
Yes. 1045 QT 22-26HRC has a typical yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 1045-IH — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, IH or QT 22-26HRC?
CD is the default 1045 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither IH nor QT 22-26HRC). 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, 1045-IH or 1045 QT 22-26HRC?
1045 QT 22-26HRC. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (15/100) for 1045-IH; for welding the order is 1045 QT 22-26HRC first (fair, 45/100) then 1045-IH (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1045-IH and 1045 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.