Steel E420-A vs E420-QT
Steel · E420 temper comparison
E420-A and E420-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, E420: A (solution annealed) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E420-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for E420-A, about 66% more; tensile strength follows at 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, E420-A is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 18% for E420-QT, and E420-QT is harder (210 HB vs 145 HB). On the shop floor, E420-A machines more easily (good vs fair) and E420-A welds better (very good vs good).
E420-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
E420-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
E420-A vs E420-QT: 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)
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 0.3 · Reduction in Area 55% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 120 J88.5 ft·lbf
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 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · 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) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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.
E420-A vs E420-QT — frequently asked
Is E420-QT stronger than E420-A?
Yes. E420-QT has a typical yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for E420-A — about 66% more. Tensile strength is 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT?
HR is the default E420 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT). 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, E420-A or E420-QT?
E420-A. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for E420-QT; for welding the order is E420-A first (very good, 75/100) then E420-QT (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E420-A and E420-QT 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.