Steel 46Cr2 +AC vs 46Cr2 +U
Steel · 46Cr2 temper comparison
46Cr2 +AC and 46Cr2 +U are two conditions of the same steel grade, 46Cr2: +AC (spheroidize annealed) versus +U (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 46Cr2 +U is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 46Cr2 +AC, about 24% more; tensile strength follows at 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi). In exchange, 46Cr2 +AC is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 17% for 46Cr2 +U, and 46Cr2 +U is harder (215 HB vs 175 HB). 46Cr2 +U runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 46Cr2 +AC machines more easily (good vs fair).
46Cr2 +ACChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
46Cr2 +UChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
46Cr2 +AC vs 46Cr2 +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) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
46Cr2 +AC vs 46Cr2 +U — frequently asked
Is 46Cr2 +U stronger than 46Cr2 +AC?
Yes. 46Cr2 +U has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 46Cr2 +AC — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 580 MPa (84.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +AC or +U?
+QT is the default 46Cr2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +AC 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, 46Cr2 +AC or 46Cr2 +U?
46Cr2 +AC. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (52/100) for 46Cr2 +U; for welding the order is 46Cr2 +U first (fair, 40/100) then 46Cr2 +AC (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 46Cr2 +AC and 46Cr2 +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.