Steel 1074-CR vs 1074 Q&T
Steel · 1074 temper comparison
1074-CR and 1074 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1074: CR (cold rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1074 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 780 MPa (113 ksi) for 1074-CR, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). 1074 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 6% for 1074-CR, and 1074 Q&T is harder (388 HB vs 265 HB). 1074 Q&T runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1074-CR machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 1074-CR welds better (25 vs 15 out of 100).
1074-CRChoose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
1074 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1074-CR vs 1074 Q&T: 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)
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 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 12 J8.9 ft·lbf
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 1,480°C2,696 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 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)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 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.
1074-CR vs 1074 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1074 Q&T stronger than 1074-CR?
Yes. 1074 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 780 MPa (113 ksi) for 1074-CR — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Q&T?
HR is the default 1074 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Q&T). 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, 1074-CR or 1074 Q&T?
1074-CR. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (22/100) for 1074 Q&T; for welding the order is 1074-CR first (poor, 25/100) then 1074 Q&T (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1074-CR and 1074 Q&T 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.