Steel CQ15-CD vs CQ15-HR
Steel · CQ15 temper comparison
CQ15-CD and CQ15-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, CQ15: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CQ15-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for CQ15-HR, about 89% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, CQ15-HR is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 14% for CQ15-CD, and CQ15-CD is harder (126 HB vs 101 HB). CQ15-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, CQ15-CD machines more easily (68 vs 55 out of 100).
CQ15-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
CQ15-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CQ15-CD vs CQ15-HR: 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
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
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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-CD vs CQ15-HR — frequently asked
Is CQ15-CD stronger than CQ15-HR?
Yes. CQ15-CD has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for CQ15-HR — about 89% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
HR is the default CQ15 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, CQ15-CD or CQ15-HR?
CQ15-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 55/100 for CQ15-HR; for welding the order is CQ15-HR first (excellent, 95/100) then CQ15-CD (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CQ15-CD and CQ15-HR 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.