Steel 4130-CD vs 4130-CR
Steel · 4130 temper comparison
4130-CD and 4130-CR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 4130: CD (cold drawn) versus CR (cold rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4130-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 4130-CD, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, 4130-CD is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for 4130-CR, and 4130-CR is harder (240 HB vs 210 HB). 4130-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
4130-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
4130-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
4130-CD vs 4130-CR: 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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 40 J29.5 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42.7 W/m·K24.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 477 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 272 J/g117 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.23×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.78 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 65% · Weldability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
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.
4130-CD vs 4130-CR — frequently asked
Is 4130-CR stronger than 4130-CD?
Yes. 4130-CR has a typical yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 4130-CD — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CR?
HR is the default 4130 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor CR). 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.
When should I choose 4130-CD over 4130-CR?
Pick 4130-CD when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 4130-CR when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4130-CD and 4130-CR 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.