Steel 3Cr2W8V-A vs 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC
Steel · 3Cr2W8V temper comparison
3Cr2W8V-A and 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 3Cr2W8V: A (solution annealed) versus QT45-48HRC (quenched and tempered to 45–48 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 3Cr2W8V-A, about 189% more; tensile strength follows at 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, 3Cr2W8V-A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 8% for 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC, and 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC is harder (47 HRC vs 20 HRC). 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 3Cr2W8V-A machines more easily (fair vs poor).
3Cr2W8V-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
3Cr2W8V-A vs 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC: 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
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 500 MPa72.5 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 229 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.3 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,455°C2,651 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 70 L/kg8.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
3Cr2W8V-A vs 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC — frequently asked
Is 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC stronger than 3Cr2W8V-A?
Yes. 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 3Cr2W8V-A — about 189% more. Tensile strength is 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT45-48HRC?
A is the default 3Cr2W8V 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, 3Cr2W8V-A or 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC?
3Cr2W8V-A. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (15/100) for 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3Cr2W8V-A and 3Cr2W8V QT45-48HRC 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.