Steel 15CrMo Normalized vs 15CrMo Q&T
Steel · 15CrMo temper comparison
15CrMo Normalized and 15CrMo Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 15CrMo: Normalized 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 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 15CrMo Normalized, about 62% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 525 MPa (76.1 ksi). In exchange, 15CrMo Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for 15CrMo Q&T, and 15CrMo Q&T is harder (210 HB vs 165 HB). 15CrMo Normalized runs hotter in service (550°C vs 500°C continuous).
15CrMo NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
15CrMo Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
15CrMo Normalized 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
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 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 310 MPa45 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · 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 Normalized vs 15CrMo Q&T — frequently asked
Is 15CrMo Q&T stronger than 15CrMo Normalized?
Yes. 15CrMo Q&T has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 15CrMo Normalized — about 62% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 525 MPa (76.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or Q&T?
HR is the default 15CrMo condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Normalized 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 Normalized or 15CrMo Q&T?
15CrMo Normalized, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 53/100 against 45/100 for 15CrMo Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15CrMo Normalized 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.