Steel 16NC6-CH vs 16NC6-HR
Steel · 16NC6 temper comparison
16NC6-CH and 16NC6-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 16NC6: CH (carburized and hardened) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 16NC6-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for 16NC6-HR, about 74% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, 16NC6-HR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 10% for 16NC6-CH, and 16NC6-CH is harder (280 HB vs 185 HB). 16NC6-HR runs hotter in service (300°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 16NC6-HR machines more easily (good vs poor) and 16NC6-HR welds better (good vs not recommended).
16NC6-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
16NC6-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
16NC6-CH vs 16NC6-HR: 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 B
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 0.29
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 1,495°C2,723 °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) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 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 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 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.
16NC6-CH vs 16NC6-HR — frequently asked
Is 16NC6-CH stronger than 16NC6-HR?
Yes. 16NC6-CH has a typical yield strength of 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for 16NC6-HR — about 74% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CH or HR?
+A is the default 16NC6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CH nor HR). 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, 16NC6-CH or 16NC6-HR?
16NC6-HR. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (15/100) for 16NC6-CH; for welding the order is 16NC6-HR first (good, 58/100) then 16NC6-CH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 16NC6-CH and 16NC6-HR 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.