Steel D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC vs D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC
Steel · D6 temper comparison
D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC and D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, D6: Q&T 56-58 HRC (oil quenched, tempered ~400–450 °C) versus Q&T 60-62 HRC (oil quenched, tempered ~180–220 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2,150 MPa (312 ksi) against 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) for D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC, about 13% more. In exchange, D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 1% versus 0% for D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC, and D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC is harder (61 HRC vs 57 HRC). D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous).
D6 Q&T 56-58 HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
D6 Q&T 60-62 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC vs D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC: 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.
D6 Q&T 56-58 HRCD6 Q&T 60-62 HRC
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 450 MPa65.3 ksi · Reduction in Area 28% · Shear Strength 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 235 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,250°C2,282 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m25.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.45 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 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 10 / 100 · Formability (cold) 8 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 40 MJ/kg17,197 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 65 L/kg7.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC vs D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC — frequently asked
Is D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC stronger than D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC?
Yes. D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC has a typical tensile strength of 2,150 MPa (312 ksi) against 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) for D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC — about 13% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T 56-58 HRC or Q&T 60-62 HRC?
Annealed is the default D6 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T 56-58 HRC nor Q&T 60-62 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.
When should I choose D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC over D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC?
Pick D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick D6 Q&T 60-62 HRC when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in D6 Q&T 56-58 HRC and D6 Q&T 60-62 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.