Steel 86B45-IH vs 86B45 QT32-36
Steel · 86B45 temper comparison
86B45-IH and 86B45 QT32-36 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 86B45: IH (induction hardened) versus QT32-36 (Q&T 32–36 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 950 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (induction hardened versus Q&T 32–36 HRC). 86B45 QT32-36 is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 14% for 86B45-IH, and 86B45-IH is harder (600 HB vs 320 HB). 86B45 QT32-36 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, 86B45 QT32-36 machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and 86B45 QT32-36 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
86B45 QT32-36Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
86B45-IH vs 86B45 QT32-36: 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.
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 1,080 MPa157 ksi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 950 MPa138 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 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 QT32-36 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 86B45-IH and 86B45 QT32-36?
86B45-IH and 86B45 QT32-36 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 86B45: IH (induction hardened) versus QT32-36 (Q&T 32–36 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 950 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (induction hardened versus Q&T 32–36 HRC).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, IH or QT32-36?
QT32-36 is the default 86B45 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, 86B45-IH or 86B45 QT32-36?
86B45 QT32-36. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against not recommended (12/100) for 86B45-IH; for welding the order is 86B45 QT32-36 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 QT32-36 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.