Steel 1080-CD vs 1080 Q&T
Steel · 1080 temper comparison
1080-CD and 1080 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1080: CD (cold drawn) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1080 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 855 MPa (124 ksi) for 1080-CD, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 1,310 MPa (190 ksi) vs 1,015 MPa (147 ksi). 1080 Q&T is harder — 375 HB against 293 HB for 1080-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 1080-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1080-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 1080-CD forms better (poor vs not recommended).
1080-CDChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
1080 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
1080-CD vs 1080 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)
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Elongation at Break 10% · Compressive Strength 585 MPa84.8 ksi · Shear Strength 640 MPa92.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,470°C2,678 °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 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.3 µm/m·K6.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % 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) -0.6 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 50 L/kg6 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.
1080-CD vs 1080 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1080 Q&T stronger than 1080-CD?
Yes. 1080 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 855 MPa (124 ksi) for 1080-CD — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 1,310 MPa (190 ksi) vs 1,015 MPa (147 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Q&T?
HR is the default 1080 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD 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, 1080-CD or 1080 Q&T?
1080-CD. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (22/100) for 1080 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1080-CD and 1080 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.