Steel 40Cr Annealed vs 40Cr Normalized
Steel · 40Cr temper comparison
40Cr Annealed and 40Cr Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, 40Cr: Annealed versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 40Cr Normalized is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 40Cr Annealed, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 680 MPa (98.6 ksi). In exchange, 40Cr Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for 40Cr Normalized, and 40Cr Normalized is harder (229 HB vs 187 HB).
40Cr AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
40Cr NormalizedChoose it when strength drives the design.
40Cr Annealed vs 40Cr 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.
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 B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 211 GPa30.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °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 44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · 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) -0.61 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 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.
40Cr Annealed vs 40Cr Normalized — frequently asked
Is 40Cr Normalized stronger than 40Cr Annealed?
Yes. 40Cr Normalized has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 40Cr Annealed — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 680 MPa (98.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or Normalized?
HR is the default 40Cr condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed 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, 40Cr Annealed or 40Cr Normalized?
40Cr Annealed, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 58/100 for 40Cr Normalized; for welding the order is 40Cr Annealed first (fair, 50/100) then 40Cr Normalized (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 40Cr Annealed and 40Cr 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.