Steel E315 +A vs E315 +C
Steel · E315 temper comparison
E315 +A and E315 +C are two conditions of the same steel grade, E315: +A (annealed) versus +C (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E315 +C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for E315 +A, about 79% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, E315 +A is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 8% for E315 +C, and E315 +C is harder (190 HB vs 135 HB). On the shop floor, E315 +A welds better (excellent vs very good).
E315 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
E315 +CChoose it when strength drives the design.
E315 +A vs E315 +C: 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 80 GPa11.6 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) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
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: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 30%
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.
E315 +A vs E315 +C — frequently asked
Is E315 +C stronger than E315 +A?
Yes. E315 +C has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for E315 +A — about 79% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +C?
+N is the default E315 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +C). 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, E315 +A or E315 +C?
E315 +C, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 56/100 for E315 +A; for welding the order is E315 +A first (excellent, 90/100) then E315 +C (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E315 +A and E315 +C 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.