Steel 8642-A vs 8642-IH
Steel · 8642 temper comparison
8642-A and 8642-IH are two conditions of the same steel grade, 8642: A (solution annealed) versus IH (induction hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 8642-IH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) against 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) for 8642-A, about 134% more; tensile strength follows at 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 710 MPa (103 ksi). In exchange, 8642-A is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 13% for 8642-IH, and 8642-IH is harder (560 HB vs 192 HB). 8642-A runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 8642-A machines more easily (good vs poor) and 8642-A welds better (fair vs not recommended).
8642-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
8642-IHChoose it when strength drives the design.
8642-A vs 8642-IH: 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
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Shear Strength 680 MPa98.6 ksi
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 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 · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 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.
8642-A vs 8642-IH — frequently asked
Is 8642-IH stronger than 8642-A?
Yes. 8642-IH has a typical yield strength of 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) against 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) for 8642-A — about 134% more. Tensile strength is 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 710 MPa (103 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or IH?
QT540 is the default 8642 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor IH). 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, 8642-A or 8642-IH?
8642-A. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against poor (15/100) for 8642-IH; for welding the order is 8642-A first (fair, 45/100) then 8642-IH (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8642-A and 8642-IH 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.