Steel 6145-A vs 6145 QT34-38
Steel · 6145 temper comparison
6145-A and 6145 QT34-38 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 6145: A (solution annealed) versus QT34-38 (Q&T 34–38 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6145 QT34-38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 6145-A, about 157% more; tensile strength follows at 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi). In exchange, 6145-A is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 15% for 6145 QT34-38, and 6145 QT34-38 is harder (352 HB vs 197 HB). On the shop floor, 6145-A machines more easily (fair vs poor).
6145-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
6145 QT34-38Choose it when strength drives the design.
6145-A vs 6145 QT34-38: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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 50% · Compressive Strength 420 MPa60.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 100 · Formability (cold) 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 29 MJ/kg12,468 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 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.
6145-A vs 6145 QT34-38 — frequently asked
Is 6145 QT34-38 stronger than 6145-A?
Yes. 6145 QT34-38 has a typical yield strength of 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 6145-A — about 157% more. Tensile strength is 1,180 MPa (171 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT34-38?
A is the default 6145 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.
Which is easier to machine, 6145-A or 6145 QT34-38?
6145-A. Its machinability rates fair (52/100) against poor (34/100) for 6145 QT34-38.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6145-A and 6145 QT34-38 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.