Steel 15B37-N vs 15B37 QT32-38
Steel · 15B37 temper comparison
15B37-N and 15B37 QT32-38 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 15B37: N (normalized) versus QT32-38 (Q&T 32–38 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 15B37 QT32-38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 15B37-N, about 128% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, 15B37-N is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 14% for 15B37 QT32-38, and 15B37 QT32-38 is harder (331 HB vs 201 HB). 15B37-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous) and 15B37-N conducts electricity better (9 % IACS vs 8 % IACS). On the shop floor, 15B37-N machines more easily (good vs fair).
15B37-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
15B37 QT32-38Choose it when strength drives the design.
15B37-N vs 15B37 QT32-38: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °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 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °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 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 55 / 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 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.
15B37-N vs 15B37 QT32-38 — frequently asked
Is 15B37 QT32-38 stronger than 15B37-N?
Yes. 15B37 QT32-38 has a typical yield strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 15B37-N — about 128% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT32-38?
QT32-38 is the default 15B37 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, 15B37-N or 15B37 QT32-38?
15B37-N. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 15B37 QT32-38; for welding the order is 15B37-N first (fair, 42/100) then 15B37 QT32-38 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15B37-N and 15B37 QT32-38 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.