Steel A216 WCA-A vs A216 WCA Q&T
Steel · A216 WCA temper comparison
A216 WCA-A and A216 WCA Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, A216 WCA: A (solution annealed) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A216 WCA Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for A216 WCA-A, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 435 MPa (63.1 ksi). In exchange, A216 WCA-A is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 28% for A216 WCA Q&T, and A216 WCA Q&T is harder (150 HB vs 115 HB). On the shop floor, A216 WCA-A machines more easily (very good vs good).
A216 WCA-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
A216 WCA Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
A216 WCA-A vs A216 WCA Q&T: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 52% · Compressive Strength 255 MPa37 ksi · Shear Strength 285 MPa41.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °F · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 85 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%
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.
A216 WCA-A vs A216 WCA Q&T — frequently asked
Is A216 WCA Q&T stronger than A216 WCA-A?
Yes. A216 WCA Q&T has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for A216 WCA-A — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 435 MPa (63.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or Q&T?
N+T is the default A216 WCA condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor Q&T). 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, A216 WCA-A or A216 WCA Q&T?
A216 WCA-A. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (62/100) for A216 WCA Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A216 WCA-A and A216 WCA Q&T 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.