Steel C12-AC vs C12 N+T
Steel · C12 temper comparison
C12-AC and C12 N+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, C12: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus N+T (normalized and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C12-AC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for C12 N+T, about 62% more; tensile strength follows at 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, C12 N+T is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 6% for C12-AC, and C12-AC is harder (350 HB vs 200 HB). C12 N+T runs hotter in service (600°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, C12 N+T machines more easily (fair vs poor) and C12 N+T welds better (fair vs not recommended).
C12-ACChoose it when strength drives the design.
C12 N+TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C12-AC vs C12 N+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.
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 C
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 0.3 · Hardness, Rockwell B 93 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.79 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.2 µm/m·K6.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V
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: Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
C12-AC vs C12 N+T — frequently asked
Is C12-AC stronger than C12 N+T?
Yes. C12-AC has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for C12 N+T — about 62% more. Tensile strength is 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or N+T?
N+T is the default C12 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 is easier to machine, C12-AC or C12 N+T?
C12 N+T. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (15/100) for C12-AC; for welding the order is C12 N+T first (fair, 35/100) then C12-AC (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C12-AC and C12 N+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.