Steel 8720-CD vs 8720-HR
Steel · 8720 temper comparison
8720-CD and 8720-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 8720: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 8720-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 8720-HR, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, 8720-HR is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for 8720-CD, and 8720-CD is harder (207 HB vs 179 HB). On the shop floor, 8720-CD machines more easily (very good vs good).
8720-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
8720-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
8720-CD vs 8720-HR: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,416°C2,581 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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) 11.6 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
8720-CD vs 8720-HR — frequently asked
Is 8720-CD stronger than 8720-HR?
Yes. 8720-CD has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 8720-HR — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
ANN is the default 8720 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor HR). 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, 8720-CD or 8720-HR?
8720-CD. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for 8720-HR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8720-CD and 8720-HR 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.
