Steel 1212-CR vs 1212 Q&T
Steel · 1212 temper comparison
1212-CR and 1212 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1212: CR (cold rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). 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 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 1212 Q&T, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, 1212 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 15% for 1212-CR, and 1212-CR is harder (150 HB vs 135 HB). 1212 Q&T runs hotter in service (425°C vs 300°C continuous).
1212-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
1212 Q&TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1212-CR vs 1212 Q&T: 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.
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) 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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.65×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.5 µΩ·in
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 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1212-CR stronger than 1212 Q&T?
Yes. 1212-CR has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 1212 Q&T — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Q&T?
HR is the default 1212 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Q&T). 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, 1212-CR or 1212 Q&T?
1212-CR, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 90/100 against 85/100 for 1212 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1212-CR and 1212 Q&T 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.