Steel 32CrB4 +A vs 32CrB4 +AC
Steel · 32CrB4 temper comparison
32CrB4 +A and 32CrB4 +AC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 32CrB4: +A (annealed) versus +AC (spheroidize annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 32CrB4 +A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 32CrB4 +AC, about 5% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi). In exchange, 32CrB4 +AC is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for 32CrB4 +A, and 32CrB4 +A is harder (180 HB vs 167 HB).
32CrB4 +AChoose it when strength drives the design.
32CrB4 +ACChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
32CrB4 +A vs 32CrB4 +AC: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 · Compressive Strength 540 MPa78.3 ksi
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.
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) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · 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) -0.61 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 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.
32CrB4 +A vs 32CrB4 +AC — frequently asked
Is 32CrB4 +A stronger than 32CrB4 +AC?
Yes. 32CrB4 +A has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 32CrB4 +AC — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +AC?
+AC+C is the default 32CrB4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +AC). 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.
When should I choose 32CrB4 +A over 32CrB4 +AC?
Pick 32CrB4 +A when strength drives the design. Pick 32CrB4 +AC when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 32CrB4 +A and 32CrB4 +AC 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.