Steel 10B38-CR vs 10B38 Normalized
Steel · 10B38 temper comparison
10B38-CR and 10B38 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 10B38: CR (cold rolled) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 10B38-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for 10B38 Normalized, about 61% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 565 MPa (81.9 ksi). In exchange, 10B38 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for 10B38-CR, and 10B38-CR is harder (190 HB vs 163 HB). 10B38 Normalized runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
10B38-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
10B38 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
10B38-CR vs 10B38 Normalized: 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
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
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 1,500°C2,732 °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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 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)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 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 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.
10B38-CR vs 10B38 Normalized — frequently asked
Is 10B38-CR stronger than 10B38 Normalized?
Yes. 10B38-CR has a typical yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for 10B38 Normalized — about 61% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 565 MPa (81.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Normalized?
HR is the default 10B38 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Normalized). 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, 10B38-CR or 10B38 Normalized?
10B38 Normalized. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 10B38-CR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 10B38-CR and 10B38 Normalized 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.