Steel 86B45-IH vs 86B45-N
Steel · 86B45 temper comparison
86B45-IH and 86B45-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, 86B45: IH (induction hardened) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 86B45-IH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 86B45-N, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, 86B45-N is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 14% for 86B45-IH, and 86B45-IH is harder (600 HB vs 241 HB). 86B45-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 86B45-N machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and 86B45-N welds better (poor vs not recommended).
86B45-IHChoose it when strength drives the design.
86B45-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
86B45-IH vs 86B45-N: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear 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 · Reduction in Area 45%
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 260 J/g112 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 11 / 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 62 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 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.
86B45-IH vs 86B45-N — frequently asked
Is 86B45-IH stronger than 86B45-N?
Yes. 86B45-IH has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 86B45-N — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, IH or N?
QT32-36 is the default 86B45 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither IH nor N). 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, 86B45-IH or 86B45-N?
86B45-N. Its machinability rates fair (48/100) against not recommended (12/100) for 86B45-IH; for welding the order is 86B45-N first (poor, 28/100) then 86B45-IH (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 86B45-IH and 86B45-N 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.