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Steel A48 Class 40-ANN vs A48 Class 40-FH

Steel · A48 Class 40 temper comparison

A48 Class 40-ANN and A48 Class 40-FH are two conditions of the same steel grade, A48 Class 40: ANN (annealed) versus FH (full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A48 Class 40-FH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for A48 Class 40-ANN, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 293 MPa (42.5 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). In exchange, A48 Class 40-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 0.9% versus 0.4% for A48 Class 40-FH, and A48 Class 40-FH is harder (480 HB vs 165 HB). A48 Class 40-FH is stiffer (125 GPa vs 110 GPa) and A48 Class 40-ANN runs hotter in service (425°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, A48 Class 40-ANN machines more easily (excellent vs poor) and A48 Class 40-ANN welds better (fair vs not recommended).

A48 Class 40-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

A48 Class 40-FHChoose it when strength drives the design.

A48 Class 40-ANN vs A48 Class 40-FH: properties

A48 Class 40-ANNA48 Class 40-FH

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

110 GPa16 Msi
125 GPa18.1 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
293 MPa42.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

165 MPa23.9 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.9%
0.4%

Compressive Strength

760 MPa110 ksi
1,050 MPa152 ksi

Shear Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

100 MPa14.5 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

5 J3.7 ft·lbf
2 J1.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

165 HB
480 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

85 HRB
99 HRB

Same in both: Shear Modulus 50 GPa7.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 87 GPa12.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.26

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.15 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,150°C2,102 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,240°C2,264 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

425°C797 °F
250°C482 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 220 J/g94.6 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.4 % IACS
2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in
8.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.9 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

19 / 100
22 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

85 / 100
15 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

95%
15%

Weldability

35 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
1 / 100

Same in both: Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 18 MJ/kg7,739 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 90%

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleA48 Class 40

A48 Class 40-ANN vs A48 Class 40-FH — frequently asked

Is A48 Class 40-FH stronger than A48 Class 40-ANN?

Yes. A48 Class 40-FH has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for A48 Class 40-ANN — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 293 MPa (42.5 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or FH?

AC is the default A48 Class 40 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither ANN nor FH). 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, A48 Class 40-ANN or A48 Class 40-FH?

A48 Class 40-ANN. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against poor (15/100) for A48 Class 40-FH; for welding the order is A48 Class 40-ANN first (fair, 35/100) then A48 Class 40-FH (not recommended, 5/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A48 Class 40-ANN and A48 Class 40-FH 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.