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Steel C15E2C +U vs C15E2C +U+C

Steel · C15E2C temper comparison

C15E2C +U and C15E2C +U+C are two conditions of the same steel grade, C15E2C: +U (hot rolled) versus +U+C (cold drawn from untreated hot-rolled stock). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C15E2C +U+C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for C15E2C +U, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, C15E2C +U is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for C15E2C +U+C, and C15E2C +U+C is harder (160 HB vs 120 HB).

C15E2C +UChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C15E2C +U+CChoose it when strength drives the design.

C15E2C +U vs C15E2C +U+C: properties

C15E2C +UC15E2C +U+C

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

440 MPa63.8 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

270 MPa39.2 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

28%
12%

Reduction in Area

62%
55%

Shear Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
370 MPa53.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

90 J66.4 ft·lbf
50 J36.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

120 HB
160 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

67 HRB
83 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

126 HV
168 HV

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °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 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 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 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 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

58 / 100
66 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

60%
70%

Weldability

93 / 100
90 / 100

Formability (cold)

88 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC15E2C

C15E2C +U vs C15E2C +U+C — frequently asked

Is C15E2C +U+C stronger than C15E2C +U?

Yes. C15E2C +U+C has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for C15E2C +U — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +U or +U+C?

+AC+C is the default C15E2C condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +U nor +U+C). 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, C15E2C +U or C15E2C +U+C?

C15E2C +U+C, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 66/100 against 58/100 for C15E2C +U.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C15E2C +U and C15E2C +U+C 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.