Steel 20#-N vs 20#-QT
Steel · 20# temper comparison
20#-N and 20#-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 20#: N (normalized) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 20#-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 20#-N, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, 20#-N is the more ductile: elongation 29% versus 20% for 20#-QT, and 20#-QT is harder (190 HB vs 140 HB). On the shop floor, 20#-N machines more easily (good vs fair).
20#-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
20#-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
20#-N vs 20#-QT: 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
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) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 480 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 272 J/g117 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 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: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
20#-N vs 20#-QT — frequently asked
Is 20#-QT stronger than 20#-N?
Yes. 20#-QT has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 20#-N — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT?
CD is the default 20# condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N 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 is easier to machine, 20#-N or 20#-QT?
20#-N. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (52/100) for 20#-QT; for welding the order is 20#-N first (excellent, 95/100) then 20#-QT (excellent, 88/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 20#-N and 20#-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.