Steel 18B2-CH vs 18B2 +U
Steel · 18B2 temper comparison
18B2-CH and 18B2 +U are two conditions of the same steel grade, 18B2: CH (carburized and hardened) versus +U (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 18B2-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 18B2 +U, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi). In exchange, 18B2 +U is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 9% for 18B2-CH, and 18B2-CH is harder (650 HV vs 168 HV). On the shop floor, 18B2 +U machines more easily (good vs poor) and 18B2 +U welds better (good vs poor).
18B2-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
18B2 +UChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
18B2-CH vs 18B2 +U: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 58%
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 46 W/m·K26.6 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V
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 60 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.
18B2-CH vs 18B2 +U — frequently asked
Is 18B2-CH stronger than 18B2 +U?
Yes. 18B2-CH has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 18B2 +U — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CH or +U?
+AC+C is the default 18B2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CH nor +U). 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, 18B2-CH or 18B2 +U?
18B2 +U. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against poor (20/100) for 18B2-CH; for welding the order is 18B2 +U first (good, 68/100) then 18B2-CH (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18B2-CH and 18B2 +U 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.