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Steel 36NiCrMo16 +A vs 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600

Steel · 36NiCrMo16 temper comparison

36NiCrMo16 +A and 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 36NiCrMo16: +A (annealed) versus QT-1600 (Q&T low-temper). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 36NiCrMo16 +A, about 169% more; tensile strength follows at 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, 36NiCrMo16 +A is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 9% for 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600, and 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 is harder (460 HB vs 235 HB). 36NiCrMo16 +A runs hotter in service (350°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 36NiCrMo16 +A machines more easily (fair vs poor).

36NiCrMo16 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

36NiCrMo16 QT-1600Choose it when strength drives the design.

36NiCrMo16 +A vs 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600: properties

36NiCrMo16 +A36NiCrMo16 QT-1600

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

800 MPa116 ksi
1,600 MPa232 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
1,400 MPa203 ksi

Elongation at Break

16%
9%

Reduction in Area

45%
38%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

360 MPa52.2 ksi
700 MPa102 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in
65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
25 J18.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

235 HB
460 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

21 HRC
48 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

245 HV
485 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 1,150 MPa167 ksi · Shear Strength 800 MPa116 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 1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
250°C482 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -80°C-112 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 13 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

48 / 100
20 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
35%

Weldability

25 / 100
20 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
15 / 100

Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale36NiCrMo16

36NiCrMo16 +A vs 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 — frequently asked

Is 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 stronger than 36NiCrMo16 +A?

Yes. 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 has a typical yield strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 36NiCrMo16 +A — about 169% more. Tensile strength is 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or QT-1600?

+QT-40 is the default 36NiCrMo16 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor QT-1600). 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, 36NiCrMo16 +A or 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600?

36NiCrMo16 +A. Its machinability rates fair (48/100) against poor (20/100) for 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600; for welding the order is 36NiCrMo16 +A first (poor, 25/100) then 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 (poor, 20/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 36NiCrMo16 +A and 36NiCrMo16 QT-1600 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.