Steel Alloy 49 1/2H vs Alloy 49-CD
Steel · Alloy 49 temper comparison
Alloy 49 1/2H and Alloy 49-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, Alloy 49: 1/2H (half hard) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 620 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (half hard versus cold drawn). Alloy 49-CD is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 8% for Alloy 49 1/2H, and Alloy 49-CD is harder (220 HB vs 200 HB).
Alloy 49-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alloy 49 1/2H vs Alloy 49-CD: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 152 GPa22 Msi · Shear Modulus 58 GPa8.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 155 GPa22.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.25 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 13.5 W/m·K7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 9.5 µm/m·K5.3 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m19.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.35 V · Corrosion Resistance 32 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 120 MJ/kg51,591 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 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.
Alloy 49 1/2H vs Alloy 49-CD — frequently asked
What is the difference between Alloy 49 1/2H and Alloy 49-CD?
Alloy 49 1/2H and Alloy 49-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, Alloy 49: 1/2H (half hard) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 620 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (half hard versus cold drawn).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or CD?
ANN is the default Alloy 49 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H nor CD). 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, Alloy 49 1/2H or Alloy 49-CD?
Alloy 49-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for Alloy 49 1/2H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 49 1/2H and Alloy 49-CD 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.