Steel 37CrNi3A-N vs 37CrNi3A-QT500
Steel · 37CrNi3A temper comparison
37CrNi3A-N and 37CrNi3A-QT500 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 37CrNi3A: N (normalized) versus QT500 (Q&T). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 37CrNi3A-QT500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 37CrNi3A-N, about 66% more; tensile strength follows at 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi). In exchange, 37CrNi3A-N is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 13% for 37CrNi3A-QT500, and 37CrNi3A-QT500 is harder (350 HB vs 270 HB). 37CrNi3A-N runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous).
37CrNi3A-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
37CrNi3A-QT500Choose it when strength drives the design.
37CrNi3A-N vs 37CrNi3A-QT500: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 55% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 60 J44.3 ft·lbf
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 460 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °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 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 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
37CrNi3A-N vs 37CrNi3A-QT500 — frequently asked
Is 37CrNi3A-QT500 stronger than 37CrNi3A-N?
Yes. 37CrNi3A-QT500 has a typical yield strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 37CrNi3A-N — about 66% more. Tensile strength is 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT500?
QT500 is the default 37CrNi3A condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 37CrNi3A-N or 37CrNi3A-QT500?
37CrNi3A-N, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 48/100 against 40/100 for 37CrNi3A-QT500; for welding the order is 37CrNi3A-N first (poor, 32/100) then 37CrNi3A-QT500 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 37CrNi3A-N and 37CrNi3A-QT500 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.