Steel 32CrMo12 +A vs 32CrMo12 +QT-16
Steel · 32CrMo12 temper comparison
32CrMo12 +A and 32CrMo12 +QT-16 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 32CrMo12: +A (annealed) versus +QT-16 (+QT ≤16 mm). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 32CrMo12 +QT-16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for 32CrMo12 +A, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi). In exchange, 32CrMo12 +A is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 13% for 32CrMo12 +QT-16, and 32CrMo12 +QT-16 is harder (340 HB vs 225 HB). On the shop floor, 32CrMo12 +A machines more easily (good vs fair).
32CrMo12 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
32CrMo12 +QT-16Choose it when strength drives the design.
32CrMo12 +A vs 32CrMo12 +QT-16: 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
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 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 790 MPa115 ksi · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 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 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 35 W/m·K20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 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 · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 6.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 18 / 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 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 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.
32CrMo12 +A vs 32CrMo12 +QT-16 — frequently asked
Is 32CrMo12 +QT-16 stronger than 32CrMo12 +A?
Yes. 32CrMo12 +QT-16 has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for 32CrMo12 +A — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 750 MPa (109 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +QT-16?
+QT is the default 32CrMo12 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +QT-16). 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, 32CrMo12 +A or 32CrMo12 +QT-16?
32CrMo12 +A. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for 32CrMo12 +QT-16; for welding the order is 32CrMo12 +A first (poor, 30/100) then 32CrMo12 +QT-16 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 32CrMo12 +A and 32CrMo12 +QT-16 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.