Steel 1548-CD vs 1548-HR
Steel · 1548 temper comparison
1548-CD and 1548-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1548: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1548-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 630 MPa (91.4 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 1548-HR, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, 1548-HR is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for 1548-CD, and 1548-CD is harder (217 HB vs 197 HB). 1548-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
1548-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1548-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1548-CD vs 1548-HR: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 365 MPa52.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
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 1,480°C2,696 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.65×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 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: 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) 1.9 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.
1548-CD vs 1548-HR — frequently asked
Is 1548-CD stronger than 1548-HR?
Yes. 1548-CD has a typical yield strength of 630 MPa (91.4 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 1548-HR — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
HR is the default 1548 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, 1548-CD or 1548-HR?
1548-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 45/100 for 1548-HR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1548-CD and 1548-HR 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.