Steel C45E Normalized vs C45E-QT
Steel · C45E temper comparison
C45E Normalized and C45E-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, C45E: Normalized versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C45E-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C45E Normalized, about 37% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, C45E Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 15% for C45E-QT, and C45E-QT is harder (225 HB vs 190 HB). C45E Normalized runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, C45E Normalized welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
C45E NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
C45E-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
C45E Normalized vs C45E-QT: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 390 MPa56.6 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · 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) -0.61 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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 24 MJ/kg10,318 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.
C45E Normalized vs C45E-QT — frequently asked
Is C45E-QT stronger than C45E Normalized?
Yes. C45E-QT has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for C45E Normalized — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or QT?
Normalized is the default C45E 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, C45E Normalized or C45E-QT?
C45E Normalized. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (48/100) for C45E-QT; for welding the order is C45E Normalized first (fair, 45/100) then C45E-QT (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C45E Normalized and C45E-QT 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.