Steel A5-ANN vs A5-AQ
Steel · A5 temper comparison
A5-ANN and A5-AQ are two conditions of the same steel grade, A5: ANN (annealed) versus AQ (as air-quenched). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A5-AQ is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) against 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) for A5-ANN, about 4.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi). In exchange, A5-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 1% for A5-AQ, and A5-AQ is harder (790 HV vs 235 HV). A5-ANN runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous) and A5-ANN conducts heat better (25 W/m·K vs 22 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A5-ANN machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and A5-ANN welds better (poor vs not recommended).
A5-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A5-AQChoose it when strength drives the design.
A5-ANN vs A5-AQ: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Brinell 225 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 98 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.86 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,460°C2,660 °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 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 250 J/g107 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V
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 35 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 80 L/kg9.6 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.
A5-ANN vs A5-AQ — frequently asked
Is A5-AQ stronger than A5-ANN?
Yes. A5-AQ has a typical yield strength of 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) against 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) for A5-ANN — about 4.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or AQ?
ANN is the default A5 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, A5-ANN or A5-AQ?
A5-ANN. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (5/100) for A5-AQ; for welding the order is A5-ANN first (poor, 20/100) then A5-AQ (not recommended, 5/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A5-ANN and A5-AQ 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.