Steel 1522-CR vs 1522 Q&T
Steel · 1522 temper comparison
1522-CR and 1522 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1522: CR (cold rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1522 Q&T is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 1522-CR, about 16% more. 1522 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 15% for 1522-CR, and 1522 Q&T is harder (190 HB vs 163 HB). 1522 Q&T runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1522-CR welds better (very good vs good).
1522-CRChoose it when it will be welded.
1522 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1522-CR vs 1522 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
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 Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS
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-CR vs 1522 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 1522 Q&T stronger than 1522-CR?
Yes. 1522 Q&T has a typical tensile strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 1522-CR — about 16% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Q&T?
HR is the default 1522 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 welds better, 1522-CR or 1522 Q&T?
1522-CR. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (60/100) for 1522 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1522-CR and 1522 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.