Steel E355-A vs E355-CD
Steel · E355 temper comparison
E355-A and E355-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, E355: A (solution annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E355-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for E355-A, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, E355-A is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 10% for E355-CD, and E355-CD is harder (190 HB vs 135 HB). On the shop floor, E355-A welds better (82 vs 72 out of 100).
E355-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
E355-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
E355-A vs E355-CD: 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)
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 · Reduction in Area 45% · Compressive Strength 490 MPa71.1 ksi · Shear Strength 390 MPa56.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 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: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 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 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.
E355-A vs E355-CD — frequently asked
Is E355-CD stronger than E355-A?
Yes. E355-CD has a typical yield strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for E355-A — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD?
CD is the default E355 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, E355-A or E355-CD?
E355-CD. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for E355-A; for welding the order is E355-A first (very good, 82/100) then E355-CD (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E355-A and E355-CD 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.