Steel DC53 HT 58-60 HRC vs DC53 Q&T
Steel · DC53 temper comparison
DC53 HT 58-60 HRC and DC53 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC53: HT 58-60 HRC (hardened & tempered to 58-60 HRC) 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 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) for DC53 HT 58-60 HRC, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,950 MPa (283 ksi). In exchange, DC53 HT 58-60 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1% for DC53 Q&T, and DC53 HT 58-60 HRC is harder (630 HB vs 230 HB). DC53 HT 58-60 HRC runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and DC53 Q&T conducts heat better (23 W/m·K vs 20.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, DC53 Q&T welds better (poor vs not recommended).
DC53 HT 58-60 HRCChoose 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, or when it will be welded.
DC53 HT 58-60 HRC 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · 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.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 5% · 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 HT 58-60 HRC vs DC53 Q&T — frequently asked
Is DC53 Q&T stronger than DC53 HT 58-60 HRC?
Yes. DC53 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) for DC53 HT 58-60 HRC — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,950 MPa (283 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HT 58-60 HRC or Q&T?
Annealed is the default DC53 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HT 58-60 HRC nor Q&T). 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, DC53 HT 58-60 HRC or DC53 Q&T?
DC53 Q&T. Its weldability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (8/100) for DC53 HT 58-60 HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC53 HT 58-60 HRC 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.