Steel 1090-HR vs 1090 Q&T
Steel · 1090 temper comparison
1090-HR and 1090 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1090: HR (hot rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1090 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 1090-HR, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, 1090-HR is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 8% for 1090 Q&T, and 1090 Q&T is harder (390 HB vs 285 HB).
1090-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1090 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
1090-HR vs 1090 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Compressive Strength 590 MPa85.6 ksi · Shear Strength 625 MPa90.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 300 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,370°C2,498 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,465°C2,669 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 47 W/m·K27.2 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9 % 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) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 38 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 28%
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.
1090-HR vs 1090 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1090 Q&T stronger than 1090-HR?
Yes. 1090 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 1090-HR — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or Q&T?
HR is the default 1090 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 1090-HR or 1090 Q&T?
1090-HR. Its weldability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (8/100) for 1090 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1090-HR and 1090 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.