Steel 4J50-CD vs 4J50-Y
Steel · 4J50 temper comparison
4J50-CD and 4J50-Y are two conditions of the same steel grade, 4J50: CD (cold drawn) versus Y (hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4J50-Y is the stronger of the two: yield strength 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 4J50-CD, about 23% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, 4J50-CD is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 4% for 4J50-Y, and 4J50-Y is harder (235 HB vs 200 HB). 4J50-CD runs hotter in service (350°C vs 250°C continuous).
4J50-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
4J50-YChoose it when strength drives the design.
4J50-CD vs 4J50-Y: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 58 GPa8.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 120 GPa17.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.2 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 13.5 W/m·K7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 9.5 µm/m·K5.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 4 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 32 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 80 MJ/kg34,394 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
4J50-CD vs 4J50-Y — frequently asked
Is 4J50-Y stronger than 4J50-CD?
Yes. 4J50-Y has a typical yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 4J50-CD — about 23% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Y?
M is the default 4J50 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Y). 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 welds better, 4J50-CD or 4J50-Y?
4J50-CD. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against good (60/100) for 4J50-Y.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4J50-CD and 4J50-Y 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.