Steel 1212-CR vs 1212 Normalized
Steel · 1212 temper comparison
1212-CR and 1212 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1212: CR (cold rolled) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1212-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 1212 Normalized, about 49% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, 1212 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 15% for 1212-CR, and 1212-CR is harder (150 HB vs 120 HB). 1212 Normalized runs hotter in service (425°C vs 300°C continuous).
1212-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
1212 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1212-CR vs 1212 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
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 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 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 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) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 9 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 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.
1212-CR vs 1212 Normalized — frequently asked
Is 1212-CR stronger than 1212 Normalized?
Yes. 1212-CR has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 1212 Normalized — about 49% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Normalized?
HR is the default 1212 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.
When should I choose 1212-CR over 1212 Normalized?
Pick 1212-CR when strength drives the design. Pick 1212 Normalized when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1212-CR and 1212 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.