Steel C25E +A vs C25E +C
Steel · C25E temper comparison
C25E +A and C25E +C are two conditions of the same steel grade, C25E: +A (annealed) versus +C (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C25E +C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for C25E +A, about 88% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, C25E +A is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 11% for C25E +C, and C25E +C is harder (180 HB vs 145 HB). On the shop floor, C25E +C machines more easily (68 vs 55 out of 100).
C25E +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
C25E +CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
C25E +A vs C25E +C: 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 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 380 MPa55.1 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 75 MPa·√m68.3 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 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 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 50 L/kg6 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.
C25E +A vs C25E +C — frequently asked
Is C25E +C stronger than C25E +A?
Yes. C25E +C has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for C25E +A — about 88% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +C?
+QT is the default C25E condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +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, C25E +A or C25E +C?
C25E +C, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 55/100 for C25E +A; for welding the order is C25E +A first (excellent, 88/100) then C25E +C (very good, 82/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C25E +A and C25E +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.