Steel C56E2 +A vs C56E2 +QT
Steel · C56E2 temper comparison
C56E2 +A and C56E2 +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, C56E2: +A (annealed) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C56E2 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for C56E2 +A, about 71% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, C56E2 +A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for C56E2 +QT, and C56E2 +QT is harder (280 HB vs 180 HB). C56E2 +QT runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, C56E2 +A machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
C56E2 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
C56E2 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C56E2 +A vs C56E2 +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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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 · Reduction in Area 40% · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 89 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.84 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °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 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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 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.
C56E2 +A vs C56E2 +QT — frequently asked
Is C56E2 +QT stronger than C56E2 +A?
Yes. C56E2 +QT has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for C56E2 +A — about 71% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +QT?
+A is the default C56E2 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, C56E2 +A or C56E2 +QT?
C56E2 +A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for C56E2 +QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C56E2 +A and C56E2 +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.