Steel A514-T5 vs A514-T6
Steel · A514 temper comparison
A514-T5 and A514-T6 are two conditions of the same steel grade, A514: T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A514-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 690 MPa (100 ksi) for A514-T5, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, A514-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 18% for A514-T6, and A514-T6 is harder (255 HB vs 235 HB).
A514-T5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A514-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.
A514-T5 vs A514-T6: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 · Hardness, Rockwell B 100 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 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 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) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -45°C-49 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.45 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 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: Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
A514-T5 vs A514-T6 — frequently asked
Is A514-T6 stronger than A514-T5?
Yes. A514-T6 has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 690 MPa (100 ksi) for A514-T5 — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
Q&T is the default A514 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T5 nor T6). 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.
When should I choose A514-T5 over A514-T6?
Pick A514-T5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick A514-T6 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A514-T5 and A514-T6 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.