Steel CQ15 Annealed vs CQ15-N
Steel · CQ15 temper comparison
CQ15 Annealed and CQ15-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, CQ15: Annealed versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 200 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Annealed versus normalized). CQ15 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 30% for CQ15-N, and CQ15-N is harder (100 HB vs 92 HB).
CQ15 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CQ15 Annealed vs CQ15-N: 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)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 200 MPa29 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,470°C2,678 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 30 L/kg3.6 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.
CQ15 Annealed vs CQ15-N — frequently asked
What is the difference between CQ15 Annealed and CQ15-N?
CQ15 Annealed and CQ15-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, CQ15: Annealed versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 200 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Annealed versus normalized).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or N?
HR is the default CQ15 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed nor N). 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, CQ15 Annealed or CQ15-N?
CQ15-N. Its machinability rates good (57/100) against fair (52/100) for CQ15 Annealed.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CQ15 Annealed and CQ15-N 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.