Steel C60 +N vs C60 +QT
Steel · C60 temper comparison
C60 +N and C60 +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, C60: +N (normalized) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C60 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for C60 +N, about 48% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 775 MPa (112 ksi). In exchange, C60 +N is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 11% for C60 +QT, and C60 +QT is harder (280 HB vs 229 HB). C60 +QT runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).
C60 +NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
C60 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
C60 +N vs C60 +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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 430 MPa62.4 ksi · Shear Strength 465 MPa67.4 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 98 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 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.3 µm/m·K6.3 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 9.6 % 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) -0.65 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 %)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
C60 +N vs C60 +QT — frequently asked
Is C60 +QT stronger than C60 +N?
Yes. C60 +QT has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for C60 +N — about 48% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 775 MPa (112 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +N or +QT?
+N is the default C60 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, C60 +N or C60 +QT?
C60 +N, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for C60 +QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C60 +N and C60 +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.