Steel En39-N vs En39-QT
Steel · En39 temper comparison
En39-N and En39-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, En39: N (normalized) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. En39-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for En39-N, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, En39-N is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for En39-QT, and En39-QT is harder (375 HB vs 290 HB). En39-QT runs hotter in service (300°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, En39-N machines more easily (32 vs 22 out of 100).
En39-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
En39-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
En39-N vs En39-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
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 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) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 14 / 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 75 L/kg9 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.
En39-N vs En39-QT — frequently asked
Is En39-QT stronger than En39-N?
Yes. En39-QT has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 700 MPa (102 ksi) for En39-N — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT?
A is the default En39 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N 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, En39-N or En39-QT?
En39-N, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 22/100 for En39-QT; for welding the order is En39-QT first (poor, 20/100) then En39-N (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in En39-N and En39-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.