Steel FDC-CD vs FDC-CL1
Steel · FDC temper comparison
FDC-CD and FDC-CL1 are two conditions of the same steel grade, FDC: CD (cold drawn) versus CL1 (class I). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. FDC-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,360 MPa (197 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for FDC-CL1, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) vs 1,480 MPa (215 ksi). In exchange, FDC-CL1 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 4% for FDC-CD, and FDC-CD is harder (470 HV vs 435 HV). FDC-CD runs hotter in service (120°C vs 105°C continuous).
FDC-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
FDC-CL1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FDC-CD vs FDC-CL1: 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)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa11.5 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 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 47 W/m·K27.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 60 L/kg7.2 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.
FDC-CD vs FDC-CL1 — frequently asked
Is FDC-CD stronger than FDC-CL1?
Yes. FDC-CD has a typical yield strength of 1,360 MPa (197 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for FDC-CL1 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) vs 1,480 MPa (215 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CL1?
CD is the default FDC 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.
When should I choose FDC-CD over FDC-CL1?
Pick FDC-CD when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick FDC-CL1 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FDC-CD and FDC-CL1 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.