Steel E260 +C vs E260 +LC
Steel · E260 temper comparison
E260 +C and E260 +LC are two conditions of the same steel grade, E260: +C (cold drawn) versus +LC (annealed then lightly cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E260 +C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for E260 +LC, about 38% more; tensile strength follows at 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi). In exchange, E260 +LC is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 8% for E260 +C, and E260 +C is harder (150 HB vs 118 HB). E260 +LC runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, E260 +C machines more easily (very good vs good).
E260 +CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
E260 +LCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
E260 +C vs E260 +LC: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 475 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 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
E260 +C vs E260 +LC — frequently asked
Is E260 +C stronger than E260 +LC?
Yes. E260 +C has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for E260 +LC — about 38% more. Tensile strength is 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +C or +LC?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, E260 +C or E260 +LC?
E260 +C. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for E260 +LC; for welding the order is E260 +LC first (excellent, 95/100) then E260 +C (excellent, 88/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E260 +C and E260 +LC 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.