Steel 4037-CD vs 4037-HR
Steel · 4037 temper comparison
4037-CD and 4037-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 4037: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4037-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 4037-HR, about 54% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, 4037-HR is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 15% for 4037-CD, and 4037-CD is harder (200 HB vs 179 HB).
4037-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
4037-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
4037-CD vs 4037-HR: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Shear Strength 580 MPa84.1 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 75 MPa·√m68.3 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell C 30 HRC · Hardness, Vickers 300 HV
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-CD vs 4037-HR — frequently asked
Is 4037-CD stronger than 4037-HR?
Yes. 4037-CD has a typical yield strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 4037-HR — about 54% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
QT-28-32HRC is the default 4037 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor HR). 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-CD or 4037-HR?
4037-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for 4037-HR; for welding the order is 4037-HR first (good, 55/100) then 4037-CD (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4037-CD and 4037-HR 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.