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Steel C45Pb-CD vs C45Pb-QT

Steel · C45Pb temper comparison

C45Pb-CD and C45Pb-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, C45Pb: CD (cold drawn) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C45Pb-QT is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for C45Pb-CD, about 9% more. C45Pb-QT is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 9% for C45Pb-CD, and C45Pb-QT is harder (225 HB vs 205 HB).

C45Pb-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C45Pb-CD vs C45Pb-QT: properties

C45Pb-CDC45Pb-QT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

700 MPa102 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

540 MPa78.3 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

9%
15%

Reduction in Area

35%
45%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

310 MPa45 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

18 J13.3 ft·lbf
28 J20.7 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

205 HB
225 HB

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 550 MPa79.8 ksi · Shear Strength 430 MPa62.4 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 94 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 215 HV

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 1,490°C2,714 °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 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.7 % 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) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

70 / 100
62 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

78%
68%

Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 30 / 100 · Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 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 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC45Pb

C45Pb-CD vs C45Pb-QT — frequently asked

Is C45Pb-QT stronger than C45Pb-CD?

Yes. C45Pb-QT has a typical tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for C45Pb-CD — about 9% more.

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT?

CD is the default C45Pb 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, C45Pb-CD or C45Pb-QT?

C45Pb-CD. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for C45Pb-QT.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C45Pb-CD and C45Pb-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.