Steel A656-CR vs A656 Type7
Steel · A656 temper comparison
A656-CR and A656 Type7 are two conditions of the same steel grade, A656: CR (cold rolled) versus Type7. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A656-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) for A656 Type7, about 8% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi). In exchange, A656 Type7 is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 12% for A656-CR, and A656-CR is harder (230 HB vs 210 HB). A656 Type7 runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous).
A656-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
A656 Type7Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A656-CR vs A656 Type7: 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
Hardness, Rockwell C
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) 1,425°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 46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 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 · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9 % 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) -0.62 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 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) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
A656-CR vs A656 Type7 — frequently asked
Is A656-CR stronger than A656 Type7?
Yes. A656-CR has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) for A656 Type7 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or Type7?
HR is the default A656 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor Type7). 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, A656-CR or A656 Type7?
A656 Type7, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 45/100 for A656-CR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A656-CR and A656 Type7 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.