Steel 38CrMoAlA-CD vs 38CrMoAlA Normalized
Steel · 38CrMoAlA temper comparison
38CrMoAlA-CD and 38CrMoAlA Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 38CrMoAlA: CD (cold drawn) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 38CrMoAlA-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 38CrMoAlA Normalized, about 13% more. In exchange, 38CrMoAlA Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 10% for 38CrMoAlA-CD, and 38CrMoAlA Normalized is harder (270 HB vs 255 HB). 38CrMoAlA Normalized runs hotter in service (480°C vs 350°C continuous).
38CrMoAlA-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
38CrMoAlA NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
38CrMoAlA-CD vs 38CrMoAlA Normalized: 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.
38CrMoAlA-CD38CrMoAlA Normalized
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
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 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 35 W/m·K20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.15×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.46 µΩ·in
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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 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) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
38CrMoAlA-CD vs 38CrMoAlA Normalized — frequently asked
Is 38CrMoAlA-CD stronger than 38CrMoAlA Normalized?
Yes. 38CrMoAlA-CD has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 38CrMoAlA Normalized — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Normalized?
Q&T is the default 38CrMoAlA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Normalized). 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, 38CrMoAlA-CD or 38CrMoAlA Normalized?
38CrMoAlA-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 42/100 for 38CrMoAlA Normalized.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 38CrMoAlA-CD and 38CrMoAlA Normalized 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.