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Steel 20Cr2Ni4-CD vs 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC

Steel · 20Cr2Ni4 temper comparison

20Cr2Ni4-CD and 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 20Cr2Ni4: CD (cold drawn) versus QT-30-34HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 860 MPa (125 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for 20Cr2Ni4-CD, about 8% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 11% for 20Cr2Ni4-CD, and 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC is harder (302 HB vs 275 HB). 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC runs hotter in service (450°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, 20Cr2Ni4-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).

20Cr2Ni4-CDChoose it when the part is machined in volume.

20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

20Cr2Ni4-CD vs 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC: properties

20Cr2Ni4-CD20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

950 MPa138 ksi
1,000 MPa145 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

800 MPa116 ksi
860 MPa125 ksi

Elongation at Break

11%
16%

Reduction in Area

42%
56%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

420 MPa60.9 ksi
470 MPa68.2 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
110 J81.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

275 HB
302 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

28 HRC
32 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

288 HV
250 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 590 MPa85.6 ksi

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 1,490°C2,714 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
450°C842 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 33 W/m·K19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 465 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 -60°C-76 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10.2 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

46 / 100
34 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
35%

Weldability

28 / 100
30 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
40 / 100

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

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.7 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 scale20Cr2Ni4

20Cr2Ni4-CD vs 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC — frequently asked

Is 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC stronger than 20Cr2Ni4-CD?

Yes. 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC has a typical yield strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for 20Cr2Ni4-CD — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT-30-34HRC?

A is the default 20Cr2Ni4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor QT-30-34HRC). 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, 20Cr2Ni4-CD or 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC?

20Cr2Ni4-CD. Its machinability rates fair (46/100) against poor (34/100) for 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 20Cr2Ni4-CD and 20Cr2Ni4 QT-30-34HRC 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.