Steel 32CrMo12 +N vs 32CrMo12 +QT-160
Steel · 32CrMo12 temper comparison
32CrMo12 +N and 32CrMo12 +QT-160 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 32CrMo12: +N (normalized) versus +QT-160 (+QT 100–160 mm). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 32CrMo12 +N is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 925 MPa (134 ksi) for 32CrMo12 +QT-160, about 14% more. In exchange, 32CrMo12 +QT-160 is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 12% for 32CrMo12 +N, and 32CrMo12 +N is harder (320 HB vs 280 HB). 32CrMo12 +QT-160 runs hotter in service (480°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 32CrMo12 +QT-160 machines more easily (46 vs 35 out of 100).
32CrMo12 +NChoose it when strength drives the design.
32CrMo12 +QT-160Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
32CrMo12 +N vs 32CrMo12 +QT-160: 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)
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 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 700 MPa102 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.
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) 12.2 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.
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 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 +N vs 32CrMo12 +QT-160 — frequently asked
Is 32CrMo12 +N stronger than 32CrMo12 +QT-160?
Yes. 32CrMo12 +N has a typical tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 925 MPa (134 ksi) for 32CrMo12 +QT-160 — about 14% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +N or +QT-160?
+QT is the default 32CrMo12 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +N nor +QT-160). 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 +N or 32CrMo12 +QT-160?
32CrMo12 +QT-160, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 46/100 against 35/100 for 32CrMo12 +N; for welding the order is 32CrMo12 +QT-160 first (poor, 25/100) then 32CrMo12 +N (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 32CrMo12 +N and 32CrMo12 +QT-160 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.