Steel A36-CD vs A36 Normalized
Steel · A36 temper comparison
A36-CD and A36 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, A36: CD (cold drawn) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A36-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A36 Normalized, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, A36 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 16% for A36-CD, and A36-CD is harder (155 HB vs 130 HB).
A36-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
A36 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A36-CD vs A36 Normalized: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 260 MPa37.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 126 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,470°C2,678 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 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 70 / 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) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
A36-CD vs A36 Normalized — frequently asked
Is A36-CD stronger than A36 Normalized?
Yes. A36-CD has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A36 Normalized — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Normalized?
HR is the default A36 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Normalized). 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, A36-CD or A36 Normalized?
A36-CD. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (66/100) for A36 Normalized.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A36-CD and A36 Normalized 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.