Steel 20CrMo-CR vs 20CrMo Q&T
Steel · 20CrMo temper comparison
20CrMo-CR and 20CrMo Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 20CrMo: CR (cold rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 20CrMo Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for 20CrMo-CR, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi). 20CrMo Q&T is harder — 290 HB against 195 HB for 20CrMo-CR — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 20CrMo Q&T runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 20CrMo-CR machines more easily (good vs fair), 20CrMo-CR welds better (good vs fair), and 20CrMo-CR forms better (fair vs poor).
20CrMo-CRChoose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
20CrMo Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
20CrMo-CR vs 20CrMo Q&T: 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)
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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 · Elongation at Break 14%
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 13 / 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: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 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.
20CrMo-CR vs 20CrMo Q&T — frequently asked
Is 20CrMo Q&T stronger than 20CrMo-CR?
Yes. 20CrMo Q&T has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for 20CrMo-CR — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Q&T?
HR is the default 20CrMo condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Q&T). 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, 20CrMo-CR or 20CrMo Q&T?
20CrMo-CR. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for 20CrMo Q&T; for welding the order is 20CrMo-CR first (good, 60/100) then 20CrMo Q&T (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 20CrMo-CR and 20CrMo Q&T 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.