Steel L2 Hard vs L2-HR
Steel · L2 temper comparison
L2 Hard and L2-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, L2: Hard (hardened) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. L2 Hard is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for L2-HR, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,150 MPa (312 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi). In exchange, L2-HR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 2% for L2 Hard, and L2-HR is harder (240 HB vs 183 HB). L2-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 175°C continuous). On the shop floor, L2-HR machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and L2-HR welds better (poor vs not recommended).
L2 HardChoose it when strength drives the design.
L2-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
L2 Hard vs L2-HR: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.86 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.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
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.
L2 Hard vs L2-HR — frequently asked
Is L2 Hard stronger than L2-HR?
Yes. L2 Hard has a typical yield strength of 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for L2-HR — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,150 MPa (312 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Hard or HR?
ANN is the default L2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Hard nor HR). 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, L2 Hard or L2-HR?
L2-HR. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (8/100) for L2 Hard; for welding the order is L2-HR first (poor, 20/100) then L2 Hard (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in L2 Hard and L2-HR 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.