Steel A242-CR vs A242 HR-46
Steel · A242 temper comparison
A242-CR and A242 HR-46 are two conditions of the same steel grade, A242: CR (cold rolled) versus HR-46 (hot Rolled, 19–38 mm). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A242-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for A242 HR-46, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). In exchange, A242 HR-46 is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 20% for A242-CR, and A242-CR is harder (170 HB vs 150 HB). A242 HR-46 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous).
A242-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
A242 HR-46Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A242-CR vs A242 HR-46: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 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) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 35 / 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 40 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
A242-CR vs A242 HR-46 — frequently asked
Is A242-CR stronger than A242 HR-46?
Yes. A242-CR has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for A242 HR-46 — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or HR-46?
HR-50 is the default A242 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor HR-46). 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, A242-CR or A242 HR-46?
A242 HR-46, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 60/100 against 55/100 for A242-CR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A242-CR and A242 HR-46 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.