Steel 16NiCr4 +N vs 16NiCr4 +S
Steel · 16NiCr4 temper comparison
16NiCr4 +N and 16NiCr4 +S are two conditions of the same steel grade, 16NiCr4: +N (normalized) versus +S (treated for shearability). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 16NiCr4 +N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 16NiCr4 +S, about 23% more; tensile strength follows at 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi). In exchange, 16NiCr4 +S is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 18% for 16NiCr4 +N, and 16NiCr4 +N is harder (200 HB vs 165 HB). 16NiCr4 +N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous).
16NiCr4 +NChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
16NiCr4 +SChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
16NiCr4 +N vs 16NiCr4 +S: 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 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 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 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 55 L/kg6.6 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.
16NiCr4 +N vs 16NiCr4 +S — frequently asked
Is 16NiCr4 +N stronger than 16NiCr4 +S?
Yes. 16NiCr4 +N has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 16NiCr4 +S — about 23% more. Tensile strength is 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +N or +S?
+A is the default 16NiCr4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +N nor +S). 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.
When should I choose 16NiCr4 +N over 16NiCr4 +S?
Pick 16NiCr4 +N when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick 16NiCr4 +S when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 16NiCr4 +N and 16NiCr4 +S 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.