Steel 1547-CD vs 1547 QT-40HRC
Steel · 1547 temper comparison
1547-CD and 1547 QT-40HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1547: CD (cold drawn) versus QT-40HRC (Q&T). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1547 QT-40HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 724 MPa (105 ksi) for 1547-CD, about 48% more; tensile strength follows at 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) vs 827 MPa (120 ksi). 1547 QT-40HRC is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 8% for 1547-CD, and 1547 QT-40HRC is harder (375 HB vs 241 HB). On the shop floor, 1547-CD machines more easily (good vs poor) and 1547-CD welds better (poor vs not recommended).
1547-CDChoose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
1547 QT-40HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1547-CD vs 1547 QT-40HRC: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Compressive Strength 724 MPa105 ksi · Shear Strength 500 MPa72.5 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 100 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 49 W/m·K28.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -25°C-13 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 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) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.
1547-CD vs 1547 QT-40HRC — frequently asked
Is 1547 QT-40HRC stronger than 1547-CD?
Yes. 1547 QT-40HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 724 MPa (105 ksi) for 1547-CD — about 48% more. Tensile strength is 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) vs 827 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT-40HRC?
CD is the default 1547 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, 1547-CD or 1547 QT-40HRC?
1547-CD. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (30/100) for 1547 QT-40HRC; for welding the order is 1547-CD first (poor, 25/100) then 1547 QT-40HRC (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1547-CD and 1547 QT-40HRC 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.