Steel 5150-HR vs 5150 Q&T
Steel · 5150 temper comparison
5150-HR and 5150 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 5150: HR (hot rolled) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5150 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 5150-HR, about 135% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, 5150-HR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 15% for 5150 Q&T, and 5150 Q&T is harder (340 HB vs 229 HB).
5150-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5150 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
5150-HR vs 5150 Q&T: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 98 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 240 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,465°C2,669 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
5150-HR vs 5150 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 5150 Q&T stronger than 5150-HR?
Yes. 5150 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for 5150-HR — about 135% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or Q&T?
HR is the default 5150 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.
When should I choose 5150-HR over 5150 Q&T?
Pick 5150-HR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 5150 Q&T when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5150-HR and 5150 Q&T 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.