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Steel H13 Q&T vs H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC

Steel · H13 temper comparison

H13 Q&T and H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, H13: Q&T (quenched and tempered) versus Q&T 50-52 HRC (wear-biased temper). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,570 MPa (228 ksi) against 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for H13 Q&T, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,620 MPa (235 ksi). In exchange, H13 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 9% for H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC, and H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC is harder (550 HV vs 480 HV). On the shop floor, H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC machines more easily (fair vs poor).

H13 Q&TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

H13 Q&T 50-52 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

H13 Q&T vs H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC: properties

H13 Q&TH13 Q&T 50-52 HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,620 MPa235 ksi
1,900 MPa276 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

1,400 MPa203 ksi
1,570 MPa228 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
9%

Reduction in Area

45%
30%

Compressive Strength

1,550 MPa225 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Shear Strength

1,000 MPa145 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

700 MPa102 ksi
750 MPa109 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

18 J13.3 ft·lbf
10 J7.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Vickers

480 HV
550 HV

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 · Hardness, Brinell 205 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 95 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

540°C1,004 °F
500°C932 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.5 W/m·K14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.9 µm/m·K6.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.58 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

15 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

15%
8%

Polishability

80 / 100
78 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 75 L/kg9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%

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 scaleH13

H13 Q&T vs H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC — frequently asked

Is H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC stronger than H13 Q&T?

Yes. H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,570 MPa (228 ksi) against 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for H13 Q&T — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,620 MPa (235 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T or Q&T 50-52 HRC?

Annealed is the default H13 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T nor Q&T 50-52 HRC). 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, H13 Q&T or H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC?

H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (15/100) for H13 Q&T.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in H13 Q&T and H13 Q&T 50-52 HRC 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.