Steel A232-N vs A232 QT-42-46HRC
Steel · A232 temper comparison
A232-N and A232 QT-42-46HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, A232: N (normalized) versus QT-42-46HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A232 QT-42-46HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,410 MPa (205 ksi) against 615 MPa (89.2 ksi) for A232-N, about 129% more; tensile strength follows at 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 940 MPa (136 ksi). In exchange, A232-N is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 10% for A232 QT-42-46HRC, and A232 QT-42-46HRC is harder (420 HB vs 270 HB). A232-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, A232-N machines more easily (fair vs poor) and A232-N welds better (fair vs poor).
A232-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A232 QT-42-46HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
A232-N vs A232 QT-42-46HRC: 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.
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-N vs A232 QT-42-46HRC — frequently asked
Is A232 QT-42-46HRC stronger than A232-N?
Yes. A232 QT-42-46HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,410 MPa (205 ksi) against 615 MPa (89.2 ksi) for A232-N — about 129% more. Tensile strength is 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) vs 940 MPa (136 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT-42-46HRC?
OT is the default A232 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT-42-46HRC). 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, A232-N or A232 QT-42-46HRC?
A232-N. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against poor (20/100) for A232 QT-42-46HRC; for welding the order is A232-N first (fair, 35/100) then A232 QT-42-46HRC (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A232-N and A232 QT-42-46HRC 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.