Steel 26CrMo4-2 +C vs 26CrMo4-2 QT-900
Steel · 26CrMo4-2 temper comparison
26CrMo4-2 +C and 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 26CrMo4-2: +C (cold drawn) versus QT-900 (+QT high strength). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 26CrMo4-2 +C, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 is harder — 310 HB against 225 HB for 26CrMo4-2 +C — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 runs hotter in service (425°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, 26CrMo4-2 +C machines more easily (good vs fair).
26CrMo4-2 +CChoose it when the part is machined in volume.
26CrMo4-2 QT-900Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
26CrMo4-2 +C vs 26CrMo4-2 QT-900: 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)
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 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
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 1,500°C2,732 °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) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
26CrMo4-2 +C vs 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 — frequently asked
Is 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 stronger than 26CrMo4-2 +C?
Yes. 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 26CrMo4-2 +C — about 45% more. Tensile strength is 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +C or QT-900?
+QT is the default 26CrMo4-2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +C nor QT-900). 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, 26CrMo4-2 +C or 26CrMo4-2 QT-900?
26CrMo4-2 +C. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (44/100) for 26CrMo4-2 QT-900; for welding the order is 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 first (fair, 50/100) then 26CrMo4-2 +C (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 26CrMo4-2 +C and 26CrMo4-2 QT-900 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.