Steel A572 Gr 42-CR vs A572 Gr 42-HR
Steel · A572 Gr 42 temper comparison
A572 Gr 42-CR and A572 Gr 42-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, A572 Gr 42: CR (cold rolled) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A572 Gr 42-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for A572 Gr 42-HR, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, A572 Gr 42-HR is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 14% for A572 Gr 42-CR, and A572 Gr 42-CR is harder (160 HB vs 140 HB).
A572 Gr 42-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
A572 Gr 42-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A572 Gr 42-CR vs A572 Gr 42-HR: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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 · Reduction in Area 50% · Compressive Strength 320 MPa46.4 ksi · Shear Strength 275 MPa39.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 45 J33.2 ft·lbf · 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.
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 · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °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)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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-CR vs A572 Gr 42-HR — frequently asked
Is A572 Gr 42-CR stronger than A572 Gr 42-HR?
Yes. A572 Gr 42-CR has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for A572 Gr 42-HR — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or HR?
HR is the default A572 Gr 42 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.
When should I choose A572 Gr 42-CR over A572 Gr 42-HR?
Pick A572 Gr 42-CR when strength drives the design. Pick A572 Gr 42-HR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A572 Gr 42-CR and A572 Gr 42-HR 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.