Steel A516 Normalized vs A516 Q&T
Steel · A516 temper comparison
A516 Normalized and A516 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, A516: Normalized versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A516 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for A516 Normalized, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 525 MPa (76.1 ksi). In exchange, A516 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 24% for A516 Q&T, and A516 Q&T is harder (170 HB vs 150 HB).
A516 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A516 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
A516 Normalized vs A516 Q&T: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Shear Strength 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 163 HV
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °F · Min Service Temperature -46°C-51 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Weldability 90 / 100 · Formability (cold) 70 / 100 · Castability 0 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 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 25%
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.
A516 Normalized vs A516 Q&T — frequently asked
Is A516 Q&T stronger than A516 Normalized?
Yes. A516 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for A516 Normalized — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 525 MPa (76.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or Q&T?
HR is the default A516 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Normalized nor Q&T). 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 A516 Normalized over A516 Q&T?
Pick A516 Normalized when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick A516 Q&T when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A516 Normalized and A516 Q&T 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.