Steel L2-HR vs L2 OQT-205
Steel · L2 temper comparison
L2-HR and L2 OQT-205 are two conditions of the same steel grade, L2: HR (hot rolled) versus OQT-205 (oil quenched + tempered 205 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. L2 OQT-205 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,790 MPa (260 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for L2-HR, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,070 MPa (300 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi). In exchange, L2-HR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 5% for L2 OQT-205, 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 poor) and L2-HR welds better (poor vs not recommended).
L2-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
L2 OQT-205Choose it when strength drives the design.
L2-HR vs L2 OQT-205: 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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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 0.29
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
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)
Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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-HR vs L2 OQT-205 — frequently asked
Is L2 OQT-205 stronger than L2-HR?
Yes. L2 OQT-205 has a typical yield strength of 1,790 MPa (260 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for L2-HR — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,070 MPa (300 ksi) vs 850 MPa (123 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or OQT-205?
ANN is the default L2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor OQT-205). 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-HR or L2 OQT-205?
L2-HR. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (15/100) for L2 OQT-205; for welding the order is L2-HR first (poor, 20/100) then L2 OQT-205 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in L2-HR and L2 OQT-205 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.