Steel 1050-CD vs 1050-H14
Steel · 1050 temper comparison
1050-CD and 1050-H14 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1050: CD (cold drawn) versus H14 (strain hardened, half hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1050-H14 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 1050-CD, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi). In exchange, 1050-CD is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 8% for 1050-H14, and 1050-H14 is harder (228 HB vs 197 HB). 1050-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous).
1050-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1050-H14Choose it when strength drives the design.
1050-CD vs 1050-H14: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 1,465°C2,669 °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 470 J/kg·K0.11 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 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 55% · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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) 1.9 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.
1050-CD vs 1050-H14 — frequently asked
Is 1050-H14 stronger than 1050-CD?
Yes. 1050-H14 has a typical yield strength of 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 1050-CD — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or H14?
HR is the default 1050 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor H14). 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, 1050-CD or 1050-H14?
1050-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 45/100 for 1050-H14; for welding the order is 1050-CD first (poor, 30/100) then 1050-H14 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1050-CD and 1050-H14 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.