Steel 37Cr4 +AC vs 37Cr4 +H
Steel · 37Cr4 temper comparison
37Cr4 +AC and 37Cr4 +H are two conditions of the same steel grade, 37Cr4: +AC (spheroidize annealed) versus +H (specified hardenability band / hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 37Cr4 +H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 37Cr4 +AC, about 4.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi). In exchange, 37Cr4 +AC is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 3% for 37Cr4 +H, and 37Cr4 +H is harder (550 HB vs 180 HB). 37Cr4 +AC runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 37Cr4 +AC machines more easily (good vs poor) and 37Cr4 +AC welds better (fair vs poor).
37Cr4 +ACChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
37Cr4 +HChoose it when strength drives the design.
37Cr4 +AC vs 37Cr4 +H: 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)
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 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 520 MPa75.4 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °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 44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % 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) -0.62 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: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
37Cr4 +AC vs 37Cr4 +H — frequently asked
Is 37Cr4 +H stronger than 37Cr4 +AC?
Yes. 37Cr4 +H has a typical yield strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 37Cr4 +AC — about 4.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +AC or +H?
+QT is the default 37Cr4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +AC nor +H). 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, 37Cr4 +AC or 37Cr4 +H?
37Cr4 +AC. Its machinability rates good (66/100) against poor (15/100) for 37Cr4 +H; for welding the order is 37Cr4 +AC first (fair, 42/100) then 37Cr4 +H (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 37Cr4 +AC and 37Cr4 +H 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.