Steel A231-ANN vs A231-CD
Steel · A231 temper comparison
A231-ANN and A231-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, A231: ANN (annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A231-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for A231-ANN, about 54% more; tensile strength follows at 790 MPa (115 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi). In exchange, A231-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 23% versus 14% for A231-CD, and A231-CD is harder (235 HB vs 197 HB). A231-CD runs hotter in service (250°C vs 220°C continuous).
A231-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A231-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
A231-ANN vs A231-CD: 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 C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa11.5 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) 1,420°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) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 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) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 14 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
A231-ANN vs A231-CD — frequently asked
Is A231-CD stronger than A231-ANN?
Yes. A231-CD has a typical yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for A231-ANN — about 54% more. Tensile strength is 790 MPa (115 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or CD?
OT is the default A231 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither ANN nor CD). 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 welds better, A231-ANN or A231-CD?
A231-ANN. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (28/100) for A231-CD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A231-ANN and A231-CD 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.