Steel 9SiCr-HR vs 9SiCr QT48-52
Steel · 9SiCr temper comparison
9SiCr-HR and 9SiCr QT48-52 are two conditions of the same steel grade, 9SiCr: HR (hot rolled) versus QT48-52 (Q&T 48–52 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 9SiCr QT48-52 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 9SiCr-HR, about 164% more; tensile strength follows at 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 9SiCr-HR is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 6% for 9SiCr QT48-52, and 9SiCr-HR is harder (280 HB vs 220 HB). On the shop floor, 9SiCr-HR machines more easily (32 vs 15 out of 100).
9SiCr-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
9SiCr QT48-52Choose it when strength drives the design.
9SiCr-HR vs 9SiCr QT48-52: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Rockwell B 97 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,470°C2,678 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 32 W/m·K18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: 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: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 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.
9SiCr-HR vs 9SiCr QT48-52 — frequently asked
Is 9SiCr QT48-52 stronger than 9SiCr-HR?
Yes. 9SiCr QT48-52 has a typical yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 9SiCr-HR — about 164% more. Tensile strength is 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or QT48-52?
A is the default 9SiCr condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor QT48-52). 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, 9SiCr-HR or 9SiCr QT48-52?
9SiCr-HR, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 15/100 for 9SiCr QT48-52.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 9SiCr-HR and 9SiCr QT48-52 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.