Steel DC04-CR vs DC04-HR
Steel · DC04 temper comparison
DC04-CR and DC04-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC04: CR (cold rolled) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. DC04-HR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for DC04-CR, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, DC04-CR is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 32% for DC04-HR, and DC04-HR is harder (115 HB vs 95 HB). DC04-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).
DC04-CRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
DC04-HRChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
DC04-CR vs DC04-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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Reduction in Area 60% · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Shear Strength 230 MPa33.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 70 J51.6 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,530°C2,786 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 22%
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.
DC04-CR vs DC04-HR — frequently asked
Is DC04-HR stronger than DC04-CR?
Yes. DC04-HR has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for DC04-CR — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or HR?
HR is the default DC04 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.
When should I choose DC04-CR over DC04-HR?
Pick DC04-CR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick DC04-HR when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC04-CR and DC04-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.