Steel 46SiCrMo6 +A vs 46SiCrMo6 +QT
Steel · 46SiCrMo6 temper comparison
46SiCrMo6 +A and 46SiCrMo6 +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 46SiCrMo6: +A (annealed) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 46SiCrMo6 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,620 MPa (235 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 46SiCrMo6 +A, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, 46SiCrMo6 +A is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for 46SiCrMo6 +QT, and 46SiCrMo6 +QT is harder (520 HB vs 235 HB). 46SiCrMo6 +A runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 46SiCrMo6 +A machines more easily (fair vs poor).
46SiCrMo6 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
46SiCrMo6 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
46SiCrMo6 +A vs 46SiCrMo6 +QT: 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, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Compressive Strength 1,650 MPa239 ksi · Shear Strength 1,080 MPa157 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 45 MPa·√m41 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 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 · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11 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: Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 62 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
46SiCrMo6 +A vs 46SiCrMo6 +QT — frequently asked
Is 46SiCrMo6 +QT stronger than 46SiCrMo6 +A?
Yes. 46SiCrMo6 +QT has a typical yield strength of 1,620 MPa (235 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for 46SiCrMo6 +A — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +QT?
+QT is the default 46SiCrMo6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 46SiCrMo6 +A or 46SiCrMo6 +QT?
46SiCrMo6 +A. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (20/100) for 46SiCrMo6 +QT; for welding the order is 46SiCrMo6 +A first (poor, 18/100) then 46SiCrMo6 +QT (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 46SiCrMo6 +A and 46SiCrMo6 +QT 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.