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Steel C60E +N vs C60E +QT

Steel · C60E temper comparison

C60E +N and C60E +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, C60E: +N (normalized) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. C60E +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) for C60E +N, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). C60E +QT is harder — 270 HB against 225 HB for C60E +N — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. C60E +N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, C60E +N forms better (30 vs 20 out of 100).

C60E +NChoose it when the part sees heat.

C60E +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

C60E +N vs C60E +QT: properties

C60E +NC60E +QT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

760 MPa110 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

410 MPa59.5 ksi
620 MPa89.9 ksi

Reduction in Area

30%
35%

Compressive Strength

415 MPa60.2 ksi
630 MPa91.4 ksi

Shear Strength

500 MPa72.5 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

35 MPa·√m31.9 ksi·√in
45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

13 J9.6 ft·lbf
25 J18.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

225 HB
270 HB

Hardness, Vickers

235 HV
285 HV

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 · Elongation at Break 14% · Hardness, Rockwell C 28 HRC

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 1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
350°C662 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 480 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 10 % 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) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

45 / 100
38 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
45%

Weldability

24 / 100
22 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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 scaleC60E

C60E +N vs C60E +QT — frequently asked

Is C60E +QT stronger than C60E +N?

Yes. C60E +QT has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) for C60E +N — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +N or +QT?

+QT is the default C60E 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, C60E +N or C60E +QT?

C60E +N, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for C60E +QT.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C60E +N and C60E +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.