Steel C17C Carburized vs C17C +U
Steel · C17C temper comparison
C17C Carburized and C17C +U are two conditions of the same steel grade, C17C: Carburized (carburized and hardened) versus +U (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C17C Carburized is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for C17C +U, about 78% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi). In exchange, C17C +U is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 15% for C17C Carburized, and C17C Carburized is harder (160 HB vs 126 HB). C17C +U runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, C17C +U machines more easily (fair vs poor) and C17C +U welds better (excellent vs poor).
C17C CarburizedChoose it when strength drives the design.
C17C +UChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C17C Carburized vs C17C +U: 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 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 450 MPa65.3 ksi
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 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.59×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.26 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 40 L/kg4.8 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.
C17C Carburized vs C17C +U — frequently asked
Is C17C Carburized stronger than C17C +U?
Yes. C17C Carburized has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for C17C +U — about 78% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Carburized or +U?
+C is the default C17C condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Carburized nor +U). 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, C17C Carburized or C17C +U?
C17C +U. Its machinability rates fair (43/100) against poor (15/100) for C17C Carburized; for welding the order is C17C +U first (excellent, 94/100) then C17C Carburized (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C17C Carburized and C17C +U 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.