Steel C12A N+T vs C12A Q+T
Steel · C12A temper comparison
C12A N+T and C12A Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, C12A: N+T (normalized and tempered) 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 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for C12A N+T, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi). C12A Q+T is harder — 232 HB against 215 HB for C12A N+T — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
C12A Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
C12A N+T 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 218 GPa31.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Compressive Strength 470 MPa68.2 ksi · Shear Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 225 HV
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 26 W/m·K15 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 600°C1,112 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.52 V · Corrosion Resistance 33 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 38 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · 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 N+T vs C12A Q+T — frequently asked
Is C12A Q+T stronger than C12A N+T?
Yes. C12A Q+T has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for C12A N+T — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N+T or Q+T?
N+T is the default C12A 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, C12A N+T or C12A Q+T?
C12A N+T, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 42/100 against 36/100 for C12A Q+T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C12A N+T 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.