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Steel 1140-HR vs 1140 QT-28-32HRC

Steel · 1140 temper comparison

1140-HR and 1140 QT-28-32HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1140: HR (hot rolled) versus QT-28-32HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1140 QT-28-32HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 345 MPa (50 ksi) for 1140-HR, about 129% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi). In exchange, 1140-HR is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 15% for 1140 QT-28-32HRC, and 1140 QT-28-32HRC is harder (293 HB vs 170 HB). On the shop floor, 1140-HR machines more easily (good vs fair) and 1140-HR welds better (32 vs 20 out of 100).

1140-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

1140 QT-28-32HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.

1140-HR vs 1140 QT-28-32HRC: properties

1140-HR1140 QT-28-32HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

585 MPa84.8 ksi
950 MPa138 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

345 MPa50 ksi
790 MPa115 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
15%

Shear Strength

355 MPa51.5 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

265 MPa38.4 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
27 J19.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

170 HB
293 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

87 HRB
92 HRB

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 · Reduction in Area 40% · Compressive Strength 560 MPa81.2 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 207 HV

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 1,495°C2,723 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 49 W/m·K28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · 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

64 / 100
50 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

65%
50%

Weldability

32 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale1140

1140-HR vs 1140 QT-28-32HRC — frequently asked

Is 1140 QT-28-32HRC stronger than 1140-HR?

Yes. 1140 QT-28-32HRC has a typical yield strength of 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 345 MPa (50 ksi) for 1140-HR — about 129% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or QT-28-32HRC?

CD is the default 1140 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor QT-28-32HRC). 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, 1140-HR or 1140 QT-28-32HRC?

1140-HR. Its machinability rates good (64/100) against fair (50/100) for 1140 QT-28-32HRC; for welding the order is 1140-HR first (poor, 32/100) then 1140 QT-28-32HRC (poor, 20/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1140-HR and 1140 QT-28-32HRC 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.