Steel 20MnVB-CH vs 20MnVB-HR
Steel · 20MnVB temper comparison
20MnVB-CH and 20MnVB-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 20MnVB: CH (carburized and hardened) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 20MnVB-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 20MnVB-HR, about 109% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 680 MPa (98.6 ksi). In exchange, 20MnVB-HR is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 10% for 20MnVB-CH, and 20MnVB-CH is harder (360 HB vs 200 HB). 20MnVB-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 20MnVB-HR machines more easily (good vs not recommended) and 20MnVB-HR welds better (fair vs not recommended).
20MnVB-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
20MnVB-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
20MnVB-CH vs 20MnVB-HR: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Reduction in Area 50% · Compressive Strength 970 MPa141 ksi · Shear Strength 690 MPa100 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
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 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 270 J/g116 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) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 11 / 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: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 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.
20MnVB-CH vs 20MnVB-HR — frequently asked
Is 20MnVB-CH stronger than 20MnVB-HR?
Yes. 20MnVB-CH has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for 20MnVB-HR — about 109% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 680 MPa (98.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CH or HR?
QT200 is the default 20MnVB condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CH nor HR). 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, 20MnVB-CH or 20MnVB-HR?
20MnVB-HR. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against not recommended (12/100) for 20MnVB-CH; for welding the order is 20MnVB-HR first (fair, 45/100) then 20MnVB-CH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 20MnVB-CH and 20MnVB-HR 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.