Steel 5CrNiMo Normalized vs 5CrNiMo QT38-42
Steel · 5CrNiMo temper comparison
5CrNiMo Normalized and 5CrNiMo QT38-42 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 5CrNiMo: Normalized versus QT38-42 (Q&T 38–42 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5CrNiMo QT38-42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,120 MPa (162 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 5CrNiMo Normalized, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi). 5CrNiMo Normalized is harder — 300 HB against 220 HB for 5CrNiMo QT38-42 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 5CrNiMo QT38-42 runs hotter in service (450°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5CrNiMo Normalized machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 5CrNiMo QT38-42 forms better (25 vs 15 out of 100).
5CrNiMo NormalizedChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part is machined in volume.
5CrNiMo QT38-42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
5CrNiMo Normalized vs 5CrNiMo QT38-42: 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.
5CrNiMo Normalized5CrNiMo QT38-42
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 40%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 33 W/m·K19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 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.
5CrNiMo Normalized vs 5CrNiMo QT38-42 — frequently asked
Is 5CrNiMo QT38-42 stronger than 5CrNiMo Normalized?
Yes. 5CrNiMo QT38-42 has a typical yield strength of 1,120 MPa (162 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 5CrNiMo Normalized — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or QT38-42?
Annealed is the default 5CrNiMo condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Normalized nor QT38-42). 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, 5CrNiMo Normalized or 5CrNiMo QT38-42?
5CrNiMo Normalized. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (22/100) for 5CrNiMo QT38-42; for welding the order is 5CrNiMo QT38-42 first (poor, 30/100) then 5CrNiMo Normalized (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5CrNiMo Normalized and 5CrNiMo QT38-42 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.