Steel 1046-N vs 1046 QT 34-38HRC
Steel · 1046 temper comparison
1046-N and 1046 QT 34-38HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1046: N (normalized) versus QT 34-38HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1046 QT 34-38HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) for 1046-N, about 161% more; tensile strength follows at 1,140 MPa (165 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi). In exchange, 1046-N is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 13% for 1046 QT 34-38HRC, and 1046 QT 34-38HRC is harder (341 HB vs 190 HB). On the shop floor, 1046-N welds better (fair vs poor).
1046-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
1046 QT 34-38HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
1046-N vs 1046 QT 34-38HRC: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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 42% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
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
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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.62×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.38 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 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 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) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.
1046-N vs 1046 QT 34-38HRC — frequently asked
Is 1046 QT 34-38HRC stronger than 1046-N?
Yes. 1046 QT 34-38HRC has a typical yield strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) for 1046-N — about 161% more. Tensile strength is 1,140 MPa (165 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT 34-38HRC?
HR is the default 1046 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT 34-38HRC). 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 welds better, 1046-N or 1046 QT 34-38HRC?
1046-N. Its weldability rates fair (38/100) against poor (25/100) for 1046 QT 34-38HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1046-N and 1046 QT 34-38HRC 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.