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Steel 45SCD6-HR vs 45SCD6 QT-1500

Steel · 45SCD6 temper comparison

45SCD6-HR and 45SCD6 QT-1500 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 45SCD6: HR (hot rolled) versus QT-1500 (Q&T ~1500 MPa). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 45SCD6 QT-1500 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) against 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) for 45SCD6-HR, about 108% more; tensile strength follows at 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 1,020 MPa (148 ksi). In exchange, 45SCD6-HR is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for 45SCD6 QT-1500, and 45SCD6 QT-1500 is harder (435 HB vs 295 HB). 45SCD6-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous) and 45SCD6-HR conducts heat better (42 W/m·K vs 36 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 45SCD6-HR machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 45SCD6-HR welds better (poor vs not recommended).

45SCD6-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

45SCD6 QT-1500Choose it when strength drives the design.

45SCD6-HR vs 45SCD6 QT-1500: properties

45SCD6-HR45SCD6 QT-1500

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,020 MPa148 ksi
1,500 MPa218 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

640 MPa92.8 ksi
1,330 MPa193 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
10%

Reduction in Area

35%
42%

Compressive Strength

670 MPa97.2 ksi
1,650 MPa239 ksi

Shear Strength

610 MPa88.5 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

450 MPa65.3 ksi
660 MPa95.7 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
25 J18.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

295 HB
435 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

31 HRC
46 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

310 HV
460 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 206 GPa29.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.8 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

42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
36 W/m·K20.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

6 % IACS
5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11 µΩ·in
3.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m13.4 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

38 / 100
26 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

40%
28%

Weldability

22 / 100
12 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
10 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale45SCD6

45SCD6-HR vs 45SCD6 QT-1500 — frequently asked

Is 45SCD6 QT-1500 stronger than 45SCD6-HR?

Yes. 45SCD6 QT-1500 has a typical yield strength of 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) against 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) for 45SCD6-HR — about 108% more. Tensile strength is 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 1,020 MPa (148 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or QT-1500?

QT-1800 is the default 45SCD6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor QT-1500). 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, 45SCD6-HR or 45SCD6 QT-1500?

45SCD6-HR. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (26/100) for 45SCD6 QT-1500; for welding the order is 45SCD6-HR first (poor, 22/100) then 45SCD6 QT-1500 (not recommended, 12/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 45SCD6-HR and 45SCD6 QT-1500 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.