Steel 36NiCrMo16 +N vs 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided
Steel · 36NiCrMo16 temper comparison
36NiCrMo16 +N and 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided are two conditions of the same steel grade, 36NiCrMo16: +N (normalized) versus +QT+Nitrided (+QT then gas/plasma nitrided). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 36NiCrMo16 +N is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided, about 16% more. In exchange, 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 9% for 36NiCrMo16 +N, and 36NiCrMo16 +N is harder (440 HB vs 380 HB). 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided runs hotter in service (450°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 36NiCrMo16 +N machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
36NiCrMo16 +NChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
36NiCrMo16 +QT+NitridedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
36NiCrMo16 +N vs 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided: 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.
36NiCrMo16 +N36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided
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 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 1,050 MPa152 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.
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) 11.8 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V
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 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.
36NiCrMo16 +N vs 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided — frequently asked
Is 36NiCrMo16 +N stronger than 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided?
Yes. 36NiCrMo16 +N has a typical tensile strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided — about 16% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +N or +QT+Nitrided?
+QT-40 is the default 36NiCrMo16 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +N nor +QT+Nitrided). 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 +N or 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided?
36NiCrMo16 +N. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (8/100) for 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided; for welding the order is 36NiCrMo16 +N first (not recommended, 12/100) then 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 36NiCrMo16 +N and 36NiCrMo16 +QT+Nitrided 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.