Steel HC550LA-HR vs HC550LA TMCP
Steel · HC550LA temper comparison
HC550LA-HR and HC550LA TMCP are two conditions of the same steel grade, HC550LA: HR (hot rolled) versus TMCP (thermomechanically controlled processed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 580 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (hot rolled versus thermomechanically controlled processed). HC550LA TMCP is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 16% for HC550LA-HR.
HC550LA TMCPChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
HC550LA-HR vs HC550LA TMCP: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 55% · Shear Strength 400 MPa58 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 210 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.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °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) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 11 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 52 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 55% · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 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.
HC550LA-HR vs HC550LA TMCP — frequently asked
What is the difference between HC550LA-HR and HC550LA TMCP?
HC550LA-HR and HC550LA TMCP are two conditions of the same steel grade, HC550LA: HR (hot rolled) versus TMCP (thermomechanically controlled processed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 580 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (hot rolled versus thermomechanically controlled processed).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or TMCP?
HR is the default HC550LA 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 HC550LA-HR over HC550LA TMCP?
Pick HC550LA TMCP when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HC550LA-HR and HC550LA TMCP 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.