Steel 50#-A vs 50#-QT
Steel · 50# temper comparison
50#-A and 50#-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, 50#: A (solution annealed) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 50#-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 50#-A, about 70% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi). In exchange, 50#-A is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 16% for 50#-QT, and 50#-QT is harder (250 HB vs 190 HB). On the shop floor, 50#-A machines more easily (good vs fair) and 50#-A welds better (fair vs poor).
50#-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
50#-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
50#-A vs 50#-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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Shear Strength 420 MPa60.9 ksi
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 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: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
50#-A vs 50#-QT — frequently asked
Is 50#-QT stronger than 50#-A?
Yes. 50#-QT has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 50#-A — about 70% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT?
HR is the default 50# condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT). 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, 50#-A or 50#-QT?
50#-A. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 50#-QT; for welding the order is 50#-A first (fair, 35/100) then 50#-QT (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50#-A and 50#-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.