Steel DC53 Annealed vs DC53 Q&T
Steel · DC53 temper comparison
DC53 Annealed and DC53 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC53: Annealed versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. DC53 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for DC53 Annealed, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi). In exchange, DC53 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 1% for DC53 Q&T, and DC53 Q&T is harder (61 HRC vs 21 HRC). DC53 Annealed runs hotter in service (500°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, DC53 Annealed machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
DC53 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
DC53 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
DC53 Annealed vs DC53 Q&T: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 215 GPa31.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 35% · Hardness, Brinell 230 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 98 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,350°C2,462 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 23 W/m·K13.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: 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 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Polishability 78 / 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 35%
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.
DC53 Annealed vs DC53 Q&T — frequently asked
Is DC53 Q&T stronger than DC53 Annealed?
Yes. DC53 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for DC53 Annealed — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or Q&T?
Annealed is the default DC53 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, DC53 Annealed or DC53 Q&T?
DC53 Annealed. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against not recommended (8/100) for DC53 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC53 Annealed and DC53 Q&T 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.