Steel A302-N vs A302-QT
Steel · A302 temper comparison
A302-N and A302-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, A302: N (normalized) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A302-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for A302-N, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). A302-QT is harder — 205 HB against 180 HB for A302-N — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
A302-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
A302-N vs A302-QT: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Shear Strength 380 MPa55.1 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 89 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 41 W/m·K23.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 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) 450°C842 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Formability (cold) 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 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.
A302-N vs A302-QT — frequently asked
Is A302-QT stronger than A302-N?
Yes. A302-QT has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for A302-N — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT?
GrB-N is the default A302 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT). 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, A302-N or A302-QT?
A302-N. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for A302-QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A302-N and A302-QT 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.