Steel A285 N&T vs A285 Q&T
Steel · A285 temper comparison
A285 N&T and A285 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, A285: N&T (normalized and tempered) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A285 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for A285 N&T, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, A285 N&T is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 27% for A285 Q&T, and A285 Q&T is harder (145 HB vs 128 HB).
A285 N&TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A285 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
A285 N&T vs A285 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
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
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) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,515°C2,759 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °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) -0.62 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 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 30 L/kg3.6 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.
A285 N&T vs A285 Q&T — frequently asked
Is A285 Q&T stronger than A285 N&T?
Yes. A285 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for A285 N&T — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N&T or Q&T?
HR is the default A285 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N&T 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, A285 N&T or A285 Q&T?
A285 N&T, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 62/100 for A285 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A285 N&T and A285 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.