Steel A653-CR vs A653-SS40
Steel · A653 temper comparison
A653-CR and A653-SS40 are two conditions of the same steel grade, A653: CR (cold rolled) versus SS40 (SS Grade 40 [275]). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A653-SS40 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for A653-CR, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, A653-CR is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 22% for A653-SS40, and A653-SS40 is harder (118 HB vs 100 HB).
A653-CRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A653-SS40Choose it when strength drives the design.
A653-CR vs A653-SS40: 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)
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) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.02 V
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 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
A653-CR vs A653-SS40 — frequently asked
Is A653-SS40 stronger than A653-CR?
Yes. A653-SS40 has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for A653-CR — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or SS40?
HR is the default A653 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor SS40). 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, A653-CR or A653-SS40?
A653-CR, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for A653-SS40; for welding the order is A653-CR first (very good, 78/100) then A653-SS40 (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A653-CR and A653-SS40 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.