Steel 1522 Annealed vs 1522-CR
Steel · 1522 temper comparison
1522 Annealed and 1522-CR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1522: Annealed versus CR (cold rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1522-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1522 Annealed, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, 1522 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 15% for 1522-CR, and 1522-CR is harder (163 HB vs 131 HB). 1522 Annealed runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
1522 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1522-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
1522 Annealed vs 1522-CR: 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)
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,515°C2,759 °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) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 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) -0.61 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: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 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.
1522 Annealed vs 1522-CR — frequently asked
Is 1522-CR stronger than 1522 Annealed?
Yes. 1522-CR has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1522 Annealed — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or CR?
HR is the default 1522 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed nor CR). 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, 1522 Annealed or 1522-CR?
1522-CR, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for 1522 Annealed; for welding the order is 1522 Annealed first (very good, 78/100) then 1522-CR (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1522 Annealed and 1522-CR 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.