Steel H14 QT48-52HRC vs H14 QT52-56HRC
Steel · H14 temper comparison
H14 QT48-52HRC and H14 QT52-56HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, H14: QT48-52HRC (hardened & tempered 48–52 HRC) versus QT52-56HRC (hardened & tempered 52–56 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. H14 QT52-56HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) against 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) for H14 QT48-52HRC, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,750 MPa (254 ksi). In exchange, H14 QT48-52HRC is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for H14 QT52-56HRC, and H14 QT52-56HRC is harder (600 HV vs 540 HV).
H14 QT48-52HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
H14 QT52-56HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
H14 QT48-52HRC vs H14 QT52-56HRC: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 175 GPa25.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Hardness, Brinell 215 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 96 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 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) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 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.
H14 QT48-52HRC vs H14 QT52-56HRC — frequently asked
Is H14 QT52-56HRC stronger than H14 QT48-52HRC?
Yes. H14 QT52-56HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) against 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) for H14 QT48-52HRC — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,750 MPa (254 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, QT48-52HRC or QT52-56HRC?
ANN is the default H14 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither QT48-52HRC nor QT52-56HRC). 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 H14 QT48-52HRC over H14 QT52-56HRC?
Pick H14 QT48-52HRC when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick H14 QT52-56HRC when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in H14 QT48-52HRC and H14 QT52-56HRC 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.