Steel A588-CR vs A588-GrK
Steel · A588 temper comparison
A588-CR and A588-GrK are two conditions of the same steel grade, A588: CR (cold rolled) versus GrK (grade K). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 380 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus grade K). A588-GrK is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for A588-CR, and A588-CR is harder (160 HB vs 150 HB).
A588-GrKChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A588-CR vs A588-GrK: 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
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 · Compressive Strength 380 MPa55.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
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.
A588-CR vs A588-GrK — frequently asked
What is the difference between A588-CR and A588-GrK?
A588-CR and A588-GrK are two conditions of the same steel grade, A588: CR (cold rolled) versus GrK (grade K). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 380 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus grade K).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or GrK?
HR is the default A588 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor GrK). 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, A588-CR or A588-GrK?
A588-GrK. Its machinability rates good (57/100) against fair (52/100) for A588-CR; for welding the order is A588-GrK first (very good, 82/100) then A588-CR (very good, 76/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A588-CR and A588-GrK 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.