Steel 4J50-CD vs 4J50-Y2
Steel · 4J50 temper comparison
4J50-CD and 4J50-Y2 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 4J50: CD (cold drawn) versus Y2 (half-hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4J50-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 4J50-Y2, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). 4J50-CD is harder — 200 HB against 190 HB for 4J50-Y2 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 4J50-CD runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous).
4J50-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
4J50-CD vs 4J50-Y2: 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)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 152 GPa22 Msi · Shear Modulus 58 GPa8.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 120 GPa17.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Elongation at Break 12% · Reduction in Area 40%
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 45 / 100 · Weldability 65 / 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-Y2 — frequently asked
Is 4J50-CD stronger than 4J50-Y2?
Yes. 4J50-CD has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 4J50-Y2 — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 660 MPa (95.7 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Y2?
M is the default 4J50 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Y2). 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.
When should I choose 4J50-CD over 4J50-Y2?
Pick 4J50-CD when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4J50-CD and 4J50-Y2 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.