Steel HC260LA-CR vs HC260LA +Z
Steel · HC260LA temper comparison
HC260LA-CR and HC260LA +Z are two conditions of the same steel grade, HC260LA: CR (cold rolled) versus +Z (hot-dip galvanized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus hot-dip galvanized). HC260LA-CR runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, HC260LA-CR welds better (excellent vs very good).
HC260LA-CRChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
HC260LA-CR vs HC260LA +Z: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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 · Reduction in Area 60% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in · Hardness, Brinell 115 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 70 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 122 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,530°C2,786 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
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 65 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
HC260LA-CR vs HC260LA +Z — frequently asked
What is the difference between HC260LA-CR and HC260LA +Z?
HC260LA-CR and HC260LA +Z are two conditions of the same steel grade, HC260LA: CR (cold rolled) versus +Z (hot-dip galvanized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus hot-dip galvanized).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or +Z?
CR is the default HC260LA 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 welds better, HC260LA-CR or HC260LA +Z?
HC260LA-CR. Its weldability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (78/100) for HC260LA +Z.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HC260LA-CR and HC260LA +Z 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.