Steel 20Cr3 +A vs 20Cr3-CH
Steel · 20Cr3 temper comparison
20Cr3 +A and 20Cr3-CH are two conditions of the same steel grade, 20Cr3: +A (annealed) versus CH (carburized and hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 20Cr3-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 850 MPa (123 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 20Cr3 +A, about 166% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). In exchange, 20Cr3 +A is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 9% for 20Cr3-CH. 20Cr3 +A runs hotter in service (300°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 20Cr3 +A machines more easily (good vs not recommended) and 20Cr3 +A welds better (fair vs not recommended).
20Cr3 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
20Cr3-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
20Cr3 +A vs 20Cr3-CH: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 170 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 86 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °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 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 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 8 % 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) -0.6 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 24 MJ/kg10,318 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.
20Cr3 +A vs 20Cr3-CH — frequently asked
Is 20Cr3-CH stronger than 20Cr3 +A?
Yes. 20Cr3-CH has a typical yield strength of 850 MPa (123 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 20Cr3 +A — about 166% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or CH?
+A is the default 20Cr3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 20Cr3 +A or 20Cr3-CH?
20Cr3 +A. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against not recommended (10/100) for 20Cr3-CH; for welding the order is 20Cr3 +A first (fair, 45/100) then 20Cr3-CH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 20Cr3 +A and 20Cr3-CH 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.