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Steel Cr12 Q&T vs Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC

Steel · Cr12 temper comparison

Cr12 Q&T and Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, Cr12: Q&T (quenched and tempered) versus Q&T 55-58 HRC (tempered 350–400 °C for higher toughness). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Cr12 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) for Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,800 MPa (261 ksi). In exchange, Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1% for Cr12 Q&T, and Cr12 Q&T is harder (61 HRC vs 57 HRC). Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC runs hotter in service (300°C vs 180°C continuous).

Cr12 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.

Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

Cr12 Q&T vs Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC: properties

Cr12 Q&TCr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,950 MPa283 ksi
1,800 MPa261 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

1,700 MPa247 ksi
1,550 MPa225 ksi

Elongation at Break

1%
2%

Reduction in Area

20%
3%

Compressive Strength

2,500 MPa363 ksi
2,700 MPa392 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

5 J3.7 ft·lbf
8 J5.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Rockwell C

61 HRC
57 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

740 HV
640 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Hardness, Brinell 240 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
19 W/m·K11 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

180°C356 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.7 % IACS
2.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m25.6 µΩ·in
7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 26 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

8 / 100
10 / 100

Weldability

12 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

12 / 100
2 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 5% · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%

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 scaleCr12

Cr12 Q&T vs Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC — frequently asked

Is Cr12 Q&T stronger than Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC?

Yes. Cr12 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) for Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,800 MPa (261 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T or Q&T 55-58 HRC?

Annealed is the default Cr12 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T nor Q&T 55-58 HRC). 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 welds better, Cr12 Q&T or Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC?

Cr12 Q&T. Its weldability rates not recommended (12/100) against not recommended (5/100) for Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cr12 Q&T and Cr12 Q&T 55-58 HRC 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.