Steel A356 Grade 10-NT vs A356 Grade 10-QT
Steel · A356 Grade 10 temper comparison
A356 Grade 10-NT and A356 Grade 10-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, A356 Grade 10: NT versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A356 Grade 10-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for A356 Grade 10-NT, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 655 MPa (95 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, A356 Grade 10-NT is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for A356 Grade 10-QT, and A356 Grade 10-QT is harder (200 HB vs 180 HB).
A356 Grade 10-NTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A356 Grade 10-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
A356 Grade 10-NT vs A356 Grade 10-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.
A356 Grade 10-NTA356 Grade 10-QT
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 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 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °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) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 16 / 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: Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 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) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
A356 Grade 10-NT vs A356 Grade 10-QT — frequently asked
Is A356 Grade 10-QT stronger than A356 Grade 10-NT?
Yes. A356 Grade 10-QT has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for A356 Grade 10-NT — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 655 MPa (95 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, NT or QT?
QT is the default A356 Grade 10 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, A356 Grade 10-NT or A356 Grade 10-QT?
A356 Grade 10-NT, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 53/100 against 48/100 for A356 Grade 10-QT; for welding the order is A356 Grade 10-NT first (fair, 50/100) then A356 Grade 10-QT (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356 Grade 10-NT and A356 Grade 10-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.