Steel 4037-A vs 4037 QT-32-36HRC
Steel · 4037 temper comparison
4037-A and 4037 QT-32-36HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, 4037: A (solution annealed) versus QT-32-36HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4037 QT-32-36HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 965 MPa (140 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 4037-A, about 141% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi). In exchange, 4037-A is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 15% for 4037 QT-32-36HRC, and 4037 QT-32-36HRC is harder (320 HB vs 170 HB). On the shop floor, 4037-A machines more easily (good vs fair) and 4037-A welds better (good vs fair).
4037-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
4037 QT-32-36HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
4037-A vs 4037 QT-32-36HRC: 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 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 870 MPa126 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,416°C2,581 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °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) -0.61 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: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 62 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 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.
4037-A vs 4037 QT-32-36HRC — frequently asked
Is 4037 QT-32-36HRC stronger than 4037-A?
Yes. 4037 QT-32-36HRC has a typical yield strength of 965 MPa (140 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 4037-A — about 141% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT-32-36HRC?
QT-28-32HRC is the default 4037 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT-32-36HRC). 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, 4037-A or 4037 QT-32-36HRC?
4037-A. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (45/100) for 4037 QT-32-36HRC; for welding the order is 4037-A first (good, 60/100) then 4037 QT-32-36HRC (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4037-A and 4037 QT-32-36HRC 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.