Steel A53 Grade B-N vs A53 Grade B S-CD
Steel · A53 Grade B temper comparison
A53 Grade B-N and A53 Grade B S-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, A53 Grade B: N (normalized) versus S-CD (cold-drawn seamless). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A53 Grade B S-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for A53 Grade B-N, about 42% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, A53 Grade B-N is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 16% for A53 Grade B S-CD, and A53 Grade B S-CD is harder (170 HB vs 131 HB).
A53 Grade B-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A53 Grade B S-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
A53 Grade B-N vs A53 Grade B S-CD: 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 B
Hardness, Vickers
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
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
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) -0.65 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 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
A53 Grade B-N vs A53 Grade B S-CD — frequently asked
Is A53 Grade B S-CD stronger than A53 Grade B-N?
Yes. A53 Grade B S-CD has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for A53 Grade B-N — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or S-CD?
S-HR-BLK is the default A53 Grade B condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor S-CD). 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 welds better, A53 Grade B-N or A53 Grade B S-CD?
A53 Grade B-N. Its weldability rates excellent (93/100) against excellent (88/100) for A53 Grade B S-CD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A53 Grade B-N and A53 Grade B S-CD 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.