Steel 1111 CARB vs 1111-N
Steel · 1111 temper comparison
1111 CARB and 1111-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1111: CARB (carburized, quenched and tempered) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1111 CARB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for 1111-N, about 65% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 425 MPa (61.6 ksi). In exchange, 1111-N is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 12% for 1111 CARB, and 1111 CARB is harder (650 HB vs 121 HB). 1111-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and 1111-N conducts electricity better (10 % IACS vs 9 % IACS). On the shop floor, 1111-N machines more easily (very good vs poor) and 1111-N welds better (poor vs not recommended).
1111 CARBChoose it when strength drives the design.
1111-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1111 CARB vs 1111-N: 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 200 GPa29 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) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,515°C2,759 °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 8 / 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 40 L/kg4.8 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.
1111 CARB vs 1111-N — frequently asked
Is 1111 CARB stronger than 1111-N?
Yes. 1111 CARB has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for 1111-N — about 65% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 425 MPa (61.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CARB or N?
CD is the default 1111 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CARB nor N). 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, 1111 CARB or 1111-N?
1111-N. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (20/100) for 1111 CARB; for welding the order is 1111-N first (poor, 33/100) then 1111 CARB (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1111 CARB and 1111-N 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.