Steel A572 Gr 42-CD vs A572 Gr 42 Normalized
Steel · A572 Gr 42 temper comparison
A572 Gr 42-CD and A572 Gr 42 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, A572 Gr 42: CD (cold drawn) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A572 Gr 42-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for A572 Gr 42 Normalized, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, A572 Gr 42 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for A572 Gr 42-CD, and A572 Gr 42-CD is harder (170 HB vs 145 HB).
A572 Gr 42-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
A572 Gr 42 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A572 Gr 42-CD vs A572 Gr 42 Normalized: 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.
A572 Gr 42-CDA572 Gr 42 Normalized
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
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 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 320 MPa46.4 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 147 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
A572 Gr 42-CD vs A572 Gr 42 Normalized — frequently asked
Is A572 Gr 42-CD stronger than A572 Gr 42 Normalized?
Yes. A572 Gr 42-CD has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for A572 Gr 42 Normalized — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Normalized?
HR is the default A572 Gr 42 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Normalized). 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, A572 Gr 42-CD or A572 Gr 42 Normalized?
A572 Gr 42-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 66/100 against 60/100 for A572 Gr 42 Normalized; for welding the order is A572 Gr 42 Normalized first (excellent, 85/100) then A572 Gr 42-CD (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A572 Gr 42-CD and A572 Gr 42 Normalized 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.