Steel FDC-CD vs FDC-CL2
Steel · FDC temper comparison
FDC-CD and FDC-CL2 are two conditions of the same steel grade, FDC: CD (cold drawn) versus CL2 (class II). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. FDC-CL2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,490 MPa (216 ksi) against 1,360 MPa (197 ksi) for FDC-CD, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) vs 1,600 MPa (232 ksi). In exchange, FDC-CD is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for FDC-CL2, and FDC-CL2 is harder (49 HRC vs 46 HRC).
FDC-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FDC-CL2Choose it when strength drives the design.
FDC-CD vs FDC-CL2: 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.
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · 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-CL2 — frequently asked
Is FDC-CL2 stronger than FDC-CD?
Yes. FDC-CL2 has a typical yield strength of 1,490 MPa (216 ksi) against 1,360 MPa (197 ksi) for FDC-CD — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) vs 1,600 MPa (232 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CL2?
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.
Which is easier to machine, FDC-CD or FDC-CL2?
FDC-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for FDC-CL2.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FDC-CD and FDC-CL2 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.