Steel 5160 Normalized vs 5160 Q&T
Steel · 5160 temper comparison
5160 Normalized and 5160 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, 5160: Normalized versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5160 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,160 MPa (168 ksi) against 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) for 5160 Normalized, about 119% more; tensile strength follows at 1,310 MPa (190 ksi) vs 957 MPa (139 ksi). In exchange, 5160 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 17.5% versus 12% for 5160 Q&T, and 5160 Q&T is harder (388 HB vs 269 HB). On the shop floor, 5160 Normalized machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
5160 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
5160 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
5160 Normalized vs 5160 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Reduction in Area 45% · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 490 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % 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 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
5160 Normalized vs 5160 Q&T — frequently asked
Is 5160 Q&T stronger than 5160 Normalized?
Yes. 5160 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,160 MPa (168 ksi) against 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) for 5160 Normalized — about 119% more. Tensile strength is 1,310 MPa (190 ksi) vs 957 MPa (139 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or Q&T?
Annealed is the default 5160 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Normalized nor Q&T). 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, 5160 Normalized or 5160 Q&T?
5160 Normalized, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 5160 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5160 Normalized and 5160 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.