Steel 41Cr4 +A vs 41Cr4 +U
Steel · 41Cr4 temper comparison
41Cr4 +A and 41Cr4 +U are two conditions of the same steel grade, 41Cr4: +A (annealed) versus +U (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 41Cr4 +U is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 41Cr4 +A, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, 41Cr4 +A is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 16% for 41Cr4 +U, and 41Cr4 +U is harder (315 HV vs 220 HV). 41Cr4 +U runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).
41Cr4 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
41Cr4 +UChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
41Cr4 +A vs 41Cr4 +U: 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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 780 MPa113 ksi · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell C 31 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % 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) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 11 / 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: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 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.
41Cr4 +A vs 41Cr4 +U — frequently asked
Is 41Cr4 +U stronger than 41Cr4 +A?
Yes. 41Cr4 +U has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for 41Cr4 +A — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +U?
+QT is the default 41Cr4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +U). 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, 41Cr4 +A or 41Cr4 +U?
41Cr4 +A, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for 41Cr4 +U; for welding the order is 41Cr4 +A first (fair, 45/100) then 41Cr4 +U (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 41Cr4 +A and 41Cr4 +U 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.