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Steel E4340 Annealed vs E4340 Normalized

Steel · E4340 temper comparison

E4340 Annealed and E4340 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, E4340: Annealed versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. E4340 Normalized is the stronger of the two: yield strength 862 MPa (125 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for E4340 Annealed, about 83% more; tensile strength follows at 1,279 MPa (186 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi). In exchange, E4340 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for E4340 Normalized, and E4340 Normalized is harder (363 HB vs 217 HB). On the shop floor, E4340 Annealed machines more easily (good vs poor).

E4340 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

E4340 NormalizedChoose it when strength drives the design.

E4340 Annealed vs E4340 Normalized: properties

E4340 AnnealedE4340 Normalized

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

745 MPa108 ksi
1,279 MPa186 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
862 MPa125 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
12%

Reduction in Area

50%
36%

Shear Strength

450 MPa65.3 ksi
570 MPa82.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

370 MPa53.7 ksi
580 MPa84.1 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
20 J14.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

217 HB
363 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

30 HRC
39 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

228 HV
382 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 640 MPa92.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,427°C2,601 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

44.5 W/m·K25.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.48×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.76 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 15 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
33 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

57%
35%

Weldability

35 / 100
30 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleE4340

E4340 Annealed vs E4340 Normalized — frequently asked

Is E4340 Normalized stronger than E4340 Annealed?

Yes. E4340 Normalized has a typical yield strength of 862 MPa (125 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for E4340 Annealed — about 83% more. Tensile strength is 1,279 MPa (186 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or Normalized?

HR is the default E4340 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed nor Normalized). 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, E4340 Annealed or E4340 Normalized?

E4340 Annealed. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (33/100) for E4340 Normalized; for welding the order is E4340 Annealed first (fair, 35/100) then E4340 Normalized (poor, 30/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in E4340 Annealed and E4340 Normalized 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.