Steel C10C +AC vs C10C-CH
Steel · C10C temper comparison
C10C +AC and C10C-CH are two conditions of the same steel grade, C10C: +AC (spheroidize annealed) versus CH (carburized and hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C10C-CH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for C10C +AC, about 95% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, C10C +AC is the more ductile: elongation 36% versus 10% for C10C-CH, and C10C-CH is harder (160 HB vs 100 HB). On the shop floor, C10C +AC machines more easily (fair vs poor) and C10C +AC welds better (excellent vs fair).
C10C +ACChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
C10C-CHChoose it when strength drives the design.
C10C +AC vs C10C-CH: 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 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
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 1,525°C2,777 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 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 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 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 45 L/kg5.4 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.
C10C +AC vs C10C-CH — frequently asked
Is C10C-CH stronger than C10C +AC?
Yes. C10C-CH has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for C10C +AC — about 95% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +AC or CH?
+C is the default C10C condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +AC nor CH). 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, C10C +AC or C10C-CH?
C10C +AC. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (15/100) for C10C-CH; for welding the order is C10C +AC first (excellent, 96/100) then C10C-CH (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C10C +AC and C10C-CH 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.