Steel AR500F vs AR500 Q&T
Steel · AR500 temper comparison
AR500F and AR500 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, AR500: AR500F (Q&T formable / higher-toughness variant) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,380 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Q&T formable / higher-toughness variant versus quenched and tempered). AR500F is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 9% for AR500 Q&T.
AR500FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AR500F vs AR500 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
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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) 1,650 MPa239 ksi · Compressive Strength 1,400 MPa203 ksi · Shear Strength 1,000 MPa145 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 500 HB · Hardness, Rockwell C 50 HRC · Hardness, Vickers 525 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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 40 W/m·K23.1 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 13 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 12 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 10% · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
AR500F vs AR500 Q&T — frequently asked
What is the difference between AR500F and AR500 Q&T?
AR500F and AR500 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, AR500: AR500F (Q&T formable / higher-toughness variant) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,380 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Q&T formable / higher-toughness variant versus quenched and tempered).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AR500F or Q&T?
Q&T is the default AR500 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, AR500F or AR500 Q&T?
AR500F. Its weldability rates fair (50/100) against fair (45/100) for AR500 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AR500F and AR500 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.