Steel C12A-ANN vs C12A Q+T
Steel · C12A temper comparison
C12A-ANN and C12A Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, C12A: ANN (annealed) versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C12A Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for C12A-ANN, about 44% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, C12A-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 19% for C12A Q+T, and C12A Q+T is harder (232 HB vs 175 HB). C12A Q+T runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, C12A-ANN machines more easily (good vs fair).
C12A-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
C12A Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C12A-ANN vs C12A 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.77 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °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) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °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) -0.52 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 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 33 MJ/kg14,187 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
C12A-ANN vs C12A Q+T — frequently asked
Is C12A Q+T stronger than C12A-ANN?
Yes. C12A Q+T has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) for C12A-ANN — about 44% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or Q+T?
N+T is the default C12A condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither ANN nor Q+T). 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, C12A-ANN or C12A Q+T?
C12A-ANN. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (36/100) for C12A Q+T; for welding the order is C12A-ANN first (fair, 45/100) then C12A Q+T (fair, 38/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C12A-ANN and C12A 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.