Steel 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC vs 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC
Steel · 3Cr2Mo temper comparison
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC and 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 3Cr2Mo: Q&T 40-44 HRC (quenched and tempered to 40–44 HRC) versus Q&T 48-52 HRC (quenched and low-tempered to 48–52 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) for 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) vs 1,350 MPa (196 ksi). In exchange, 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 8% for 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC, and 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC is harder (390 HB vs 300 HB). 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC runs hotter in service (450°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC machines more easily (33 vs 20 out of 100).
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC vs 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC: 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.
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
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 · Reduction in Area 50% · Compressive Strength 860 MPa125 ksi · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 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 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 32 W/m·K18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 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) -0.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 14 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 40 / 100 · Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 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.
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC vs 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC — frequently asked
Is 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC stronger than 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC?
Yes. 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) for 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) vs 1,350 MPa (196 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T 40-44 HRC or Q&T 48-52 HRC?
PH 28-32 HRC is the default 3Cr2Mo condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T 40-44 HRC nor Q&T 48-52 HRC). 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, 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC or 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC?
3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 33/100 against 20/100 for 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3Cr2Mo Q&T 40-44 HRC and 3Cr2Mo Q&T 48-52 HRC 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.