Steel 15CrMo-CR vs 15CrMo Q&T
Steel · 15CrMo temper comparison
15CrMo-CR and 15CrMo Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 15CrMo: CR (cold rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 15CrMo Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 15CrMo-CR, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi). 15CrMo Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 14% for 15CrMo-CR, and 15CrMo Q&T is harder (210 HB vs 175 HB). 15CrMo Q&T runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 15CrMo-CR machines more easily (good vs fair).
15CrMo-CRChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
15CrMo Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
15CrMo-CR vs 15CrMo 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 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) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.1 µm/m·K6.7 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 16 / 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 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 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.
15CrMo-CR vs 15CrMo Q&T — frequently asked
Is 15CrMo Q&T stronger than 15CrMo-CR?
Yes. 15CrMo Q&T has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 15CrMo-CR — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Q&T?
HR is the default 15CrMo 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 is easier to machine, 15CrMo-CR or 15CrMo Q&T?
15CrMo-CR. Its machinability rates good (56/100) against fair (45/100) for 15CrMo Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15CrMo-CR and 15CrMo 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.