Steel 15MnVB-N vs 15MnVB-QT109
Steel · 15MnVB temper comparison
15MnVB-N and 15MnVB-QT109 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 15MnVB: N (normalized) versus QT109. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 15MnVB-QT109 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 990 MPa (144 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 15MnVB-N, about 111% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, 15MnVB-N is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 11% for 15MnVB-QT109, and 15MnVB-QT109 is harder (330 HB vs 210 HB). 15MnVB-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 15MnVB-N machines more easily (53 vs 35 out of 100) and 15MnVB-N welds better (fair vs poor).
15MnVB-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
15MnVB-QT109Choose it when strength drives the design.
15MnVB-N vs 15MnVB-QT109: 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
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) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °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) -0.62 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: Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
15MnVB-N vs 15MnVB-QT109 — frequently asked
Is 15MnVB-QT109 stronger than 15MnVB-N?
Yes. 15MnVB-QT109 has a typical yield strength of 990 MPa (144 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 15MnVB-N — about 111% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT109?
A is the default 15MnVB condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT109). 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, 15MnVB-N or 15MnVB-QT109?
15MnVB-N, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 53/100 against 35/100 for 15MnVB-QT109; for welding the order is 15MnVB-N first (fair, 52/100) then 15MnVB-QT109 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 15MnVB-N and 15MnVB-QT109 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.