Steel A572 Gr 50-CR vs A572 Gr 50-HR
Steel · A572 Gr 50 temper comparison
A572 Gr 50-CR and A572 Gr 50-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, A572 Gr 50: CR (cold rolled) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A572 Gr 50-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for A572 Gr 50-HR, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 485 MPa (70.3 ksi). In exchange, A572 Gr 50-HR is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 14% for A572 Gr 50-CR, and A572 Gr 50-CR is harder (170 HB vs 150 HB). A572 Gr 50-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
A572 Gr 50-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
A572 Gr 50-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A572 Gr 50-CR vs A572 Gr 50-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
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
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 50 W/m·K28.9 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 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 60 / 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 45 L/kg5.4 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 50-CR vs A572 Gr 50-HR — frequently asked
Is A572 Gr 50-CR stronger than A572 Gr 50-HR?
Yes. A572 Gr 50-CR has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for A572 Gr 50-HR — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 485 MPa (70.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or HR?
HR is the default A572 Gr 50 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 50-CR over A572 Gr 50-HR?
Pick A572 Gr 50-CR when strength drives the design. Pick A572 Gr 50-HR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A572 Gr 50-CR and A572 Gr 50-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.