Steel AR400F vs AR400 Q&T
Steel · AR400 temper comparison
AR400F and AR400 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, AR400: AR400F (formable / impact-tested fine-grain AR400 with guaranteed…) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,100 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (formable / impact-tested fine-grain AR400 with guaranteed… versus quenched and tempered). On the shop floor, AR400F forms better (fair vs poor). For most parts the choice follows the drawing's specified condition; ask for the one your standard calls out.
AR400F vs AR400 Q&T: 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.
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 1,250 MPa181 ksi · Reduction in Area 40% · Compressive Strength 1,100 MPa160 ksi · Shear Strength 780 MPa113 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 400 HB · Hardness, Rockwell C 43 HRC · Hardness, Vickers 420 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 22 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
AR400F vs AR400 Q&T — frequently asked
What is the difference between AR400F and AR400 Q&T?
AR400F and AR400 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, AR400: AR400F (formable / impact-tested fine-grain AR400 with guaranteed…) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,100 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (formable / impact-tested fine-grain AR400 with guaranteed… versus quenched and tempered).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AR400F or Q&T?
Q&T is the default AR400 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.
Which welds better, AR400F or AR400 Q&T?
AR400F. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against good (55/100) for AR400 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AR400F and AR400 Q&T 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.