Steel 12CrNi3-CH vs 12CrNi3-N
Steel · 12CrNi3 temper comparison
12CrNi3-CH and 12CrNi3-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, 12CrNi3: CH (carburized and hardened) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 12CrNi3-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 820 MPa (119 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 12CrNi3-N, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi). In exchange, 12CrNi3-N is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 11% for 12CrNi3-CH, and 12CrNi3-CH is harder (300 HB vs 240 HB). 12CrNi3-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 12CrNi3-N machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and 12CrNi3-N welds better (fair vs not recommended).
12CrNi3-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
12CrNi3-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
12CrNi3-CH vs 12CrNi3-N: 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
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
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 1,490°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) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °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) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 33 MJ/kg14,187 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
12CrNi3-CH vs 12CrNi3-N — frequently asked
Is 12CrNi3-CH stronger than 12CrNi3-N?
Yes. 12CrNi3-CH has a typical yield strength of 820 MPa (119 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 12CrNi3-N — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CH or N?
QT is the default 12CrNi3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CH nor N). 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, 12CrNi3-CH or 12CrNi3-N?
12CrNi3-N. Its machinability rates fair (48/100) against not recommended (10/100) for 12CrNi3-CH; for welding the order is 12CrNi3-N first (fair, 42/100) then 12CrNi3-CH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12CrNi3-CH and 12CrNi3-N 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.