Steel 30KhGSL-A vs 30KhGSL-QT500
Steel · 30KhGSL temper comparison
30KhGSL-A and 30KhGSL-QT500 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 30KhGSL: A (solution annealed) versus QT500 (Q&T). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 30KhGSL-QT500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 30KhGSL-A, about 159% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, 30KhGSL-A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 9% for 30KhGSL-QT500, and 30KhGSL-QT500 is harder (310 HB vs 179 HB). On the shop floor, 30KhGSL-A machines more easily (good vs poor) and 30KhGSL-A welds better (fair vs poor).
30KhGSL-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
30KhGSL-QT500Choose it when strength drives the design.
30KhGSL-A vs 30KhGSL-QT500: 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 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 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 1,495°C2,723 °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 470 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 -40°C-40 °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) -0.62 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: Castability 58 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
30KhGSL-A vs 30KhGSL-QT500 — frequently asked
Is 30KhGSL-QT500 stronger than 30KhGSL-A?
Yes. 30KhGSL-QT500 has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 30KhGSL-A — about 159% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT500?
N+T is the default 30KhGSL condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT500). 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, 30KhGSL-A or 30KhGSL-QT500?
30KhGSL-A. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against poor (32/100) for 30KhGSL-QT500; for welding the order is 30KhGSL-A first (fair, 45/100) then 30KhGSL-QT500 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 30KhGSL-A and 30KhGSL-QT500 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.