Steel 1145-CD vs 1145-IH
Steel · 1145 temper comparison
1145-CD and 1145-IH are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1145: CD (cold drawn) versus IH (induction hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1145-IH is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 655 MPa (95 ksi) for 1145-CD, about 7% more. 1145-IH is harder — 600 HB against 187 HB for 1145-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 1145-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and 1145-CD conducts electricity better (10 % IACS vs 9 % IACS). On the shop floor, 1145-CD machines more easily (good vs poor), 1145-CD welds better (poor vs not recommended), and 1145-CD forms better (fair vs not recommended).
1145-CDChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
1145-IHChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
1145-CD vs 1145-IH: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 12%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,416°C2,581 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °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 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °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) -0.65 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 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 35 L/kg4.2 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.
1145-CD vs 1145-IH — frequently asked
Is 1145-IH stronger than 1145-CD?
Yes. 1145-IH has a typical tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 655 MPa (95 ksi) for 1145-CD — about 7% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or IH?
CD is the default 1145 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 is easier to machine, 1145-CD or 1145-IH?
1145-CD. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against poor (15/100) for 1145-IH; for welding the order is 1145-CD first (poor, 30/100) then 1145-IH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1145-CD and 1145-IH 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.