Steel 42CrMo5-6 +S vs 42CrMo5-6 +U
Steel · 42CrMo5-6 temper comparison
42CrMo5-6 +S and 42CrMo5-6 +U are two conditions of the same steel grade, 42CrMo5-6: +S (treated for high shearability) versus +U (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 42CrMo5-6 +U is the stronger of the two: yield strength 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) for 42CrMo5-6 +S, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi). In exchange, 42CrMo5-6 +S is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 14% for 42CrMo5-6 +U, and 42CrMo5-6 +U is harder (260 HB vs 230 HB).
42CrMo5-6 +SChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
42CrMo5-6 +UChoose it when strength drives the design.
42CrMo5-6 +S vs 42CrMo5-6 +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
Compressive Strength
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 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 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) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 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 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 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
42CrMo5-6 +S vs 42CrMo5-6 +U — frequently asked
Is 42CrMo5-6 +U stronger than 42CrMo5-6 +S?
Yes. 42CrMo5-6 +U has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) for 42CrMo5-6 +S — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +S or +U?
+QT is the default 42CrMo5-6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +S 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, 42CrMo5-6 +S or 42CrMo5-6 +U?
42CrMo5-6 +S. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (48/100) for 42CrMo5-6 +U; for welding the order is 42CrMo5-6 +S first (fair, 40/100) then 42CrMo5-6 +U (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 42CrMo5-6 +S and 42CrMo5-6 +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.