Steel 16MnCr5-CD vs 16MnCr5 Q&T
Steel · 16MnCr5 temper comparison
16MnCr5-CD and 16MnCr5 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 16MnCr5: CD (cold drawn) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 16MnCr5 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 16MnCr5-CD, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). 16MnCr5 Q&T is harder — 290 HB against 215 HB for 16MnCr5-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 16MnCr5-CD runs hotter in service (300°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 16MnCr5 Q&T forms better (good vs fair).
16MnCr5-CDChoose it when the part sees heat.
16MnCr5 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
16MnCr5-CD vs 16MnCr5 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 40%
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 1,490°C2,714 °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) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 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) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 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.
16MnCr5-CD vs 16MnCr5 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 16MnCr5 Q&T stronger than 16MnCr5-CD?
Yes. 16MnCr5 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 16MnCr5-CD — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Q&T?
HR is the default 16MnCr5 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD 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, 16MnCr5-CD or 16MnCr5 Q&T?
16MnCr5-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for 16MnCr5 Q&T; for welding the order is 16MnCr5 Q&T first (fair, 45/100) then 16MnCr5-CD (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 16MnCr5-CD and 16MnCr5 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.