Steel 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD vs 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550
Steel · 25Cr2Ni4WA temper comparison
25Cr2Ni4WA-CD and 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 25Cr2Ni4WA: CD (cold drawn) versus QT550 (Q&T). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 990 MPa (144 ksi) against 850 MPa (123 ksi) for 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 980 MPa (142 ksi). 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 10% for 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD, and 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 is harder (330 HB vs 285 HB). 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).
25Cr2Ni4WA-CDChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
25Cr2Ni4WA-CD vs 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 208 GPa30.2 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) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °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 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 15 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
25Cr2Ni4WA-CD vs 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 — frequently asked
Is 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 stronger than 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD?
Yes. 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 has a typical yield strength of 990 MPa (144 ksi) against 850 MPa (123 ksi) for 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 980 MPa (142 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT550?
QT550 is the default 25Cr2Ni4WA 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, 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD or 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550?
25Cr2Ni4WA-CD. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against poor (32/100) for 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 25Cr2Ni4WA-CD and 25Cr2Ni4WA-QT550 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.