Steel A232-CD vs A232-N
Steel · A232 temper comparison
A232-CD and A232-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, A232: CD (cold drawn) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A232-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 615 MPa (89.2 ksi) for A232-N, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 940 MPa (136 ksi). In exchange, A232-N is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 8% for A232-CD, and A232-CD is harder (340 HB vs 270 HB). A232-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, A232-N welds better (fair vs poor).
A232-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
A232-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A232-CD vs A232-N: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 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) -0.6 V · 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: Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
A232-CD vs A232-N — frequently asked
Is A232-CD stronger than A232-N?
Yes. A232-CD has a typical yield strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 615 MPa (89.2 ksi) for A232-N — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 940 MPa (136 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or N?
OT is the default A232 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor N). 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, A232-CD or A232-N?
A232-N. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for A232-CD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A232-CD and A232-N 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.