Steel 12Cr2Ni4A-CD vs 12Cr2Ni4A-QT
Steel · 12Cr2Ni4A temper comparison
12Cr2Ni4A-CD and 12Cr2Ni4A-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 12Cr2Ni4A: CD (cold drawn) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 12Cr2Ni4A-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for 12Cr2Ni4A-CD, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). 12Cr2Ni4A-QT is harder — 370 HB against 260 HB for 12Cr2Ni4A-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 12Cr2Ni4A-CD runs hotter in service (300°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 12Cr2Ni4A-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).
12Cr2Ni4A-CDChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
12Cr2Ni4A-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
12Cr2Ni4A-CD vs 12Cr2Ni4A-QT: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 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) 1,430°C2,606 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °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) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 13 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
12Cr2Ni4A-CD vs 12Cr2Ni4A-QT — frequently asked
Is 12Cr2Ni4A-QT stronger than 12Cr2Ni4A-CD?
Yes. 12Cr2Ni4A-QT has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for 12Cr2Ni4A-CD — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT?
QT is the default 12Cr2Ni4A 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, 12Cr2Ni4A-CD or 12Cr2Ni4A-QT?
12Cr2Ni4A-CD. Its machinability rates fair (48/100) against poor (32/100) for 12Cr2Ni4A-QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12Cr2Ni4A-CD and 12Cr2Ni4A-QT 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.