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Steel 18CrMo4 +H vs 18CrMo4 +QT

Steel · 18CrMo4 temper comparison

18CrMo4 +H and 18CrMo4 +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 18CrMo4: +H (hardenability-guaranteed (Jominy band), carburized and hardened core…) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 18CrMo4 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) for 18CrMo4 +H, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). 18CrMo4 +QT is harder — 310 HB against 290 HB for 18CrMo4 +H — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 18CrMo4 +QT runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous).

18CrMo4 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

18CrMo4 +H vs 18CrMo4 +QT: properties

18CrMo4 +H18CrMo4 +QT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

950 MPa138 ksi
1,000 MPa145 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

680 MPa98.6 ksi
780 MPa113 ksi

Elongation at Break

11%
12%

Reduction in Area

45%
50%

Shear Strength

570 MPa82.7 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

450 MPa65.3 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in
95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
50 J36.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

290 HB
310 HB

Hardness, Vickers

305 HV
325 HV

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 · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 87 HRB

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)

180°C356 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 43 W/m·K24.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.6 µm/m·K6.4 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 7.7 % 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) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

40 / 100
42 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
48%

Weldability

35 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
22 / 100

Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale18CrMo4

18CrMo4 +H vs 18CrMo4 +QT — frequently asked

Is 18CrMo4 +QT stronger than 18CrMo4 +H?

Yes. 18CrMo4 +QT has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) for 18CrMo4 +H — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +H or +QT?

+AC is the default 18CrMo4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +H nor +QT). 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 welds better, 18CrMo4 +H or 18CrMo4 +QT?

18CrMo4 +QT. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against fair (35/100) for 18CrMo4 +H.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18CrMo4 +H and 18CrMo4 +QT 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.