Steel M3-2-ANN vs M3-2-HT64
Steel · M3-2 temper comparison
M3-2-ANN and M3-2-HT64 are two conditions of the same steel grade, M3-2: ANN (annealed) versus HT64 (hardened & triple tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. M3-2-HT64 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2,400 MPa (348 ksi) against 880 MPa (128 ksi) for M3-2-ANN, about 173% more. In exchange, M3-2-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 0.3% for M3-2-HT64, and M3-2-HT64 is harder (840 HV vs 260 HV). M3-2-HT64 is stiffer (227 GPa vs 213 GPa) and M3-2-HT64 runs hotter in service (560°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, M3-2-ANN machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and M3-2-ANN welds better (poor vs not recommended).
M3-2-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
M3-2-HT64Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
M3-2-ANN vs M3-2-HT64: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 83 GPa12 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 550 MPa79.8 ksi · Reduction in Area 20% · Hardness, Brinell 250 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 102 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.15 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,240°C2,264 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,425°C2,597 °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 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.6 µm/m·K5.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.2 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: 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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 42 MJ/kg18,057 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 70 L/kg8.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
M3-2-ANN vs M3-2-HT64 — frequently asked
Is M3-2-HT64 stronger than M3-2-ANN?
Yes. M3-2-HT64 has a typical tensile strength of 2,400 MPa (348 ksi) against 880 MPa (128 ksi) for M3-2-ANN — about 173% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or HT64?
ANN is the default M3-2 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 is easier to machine, M3-2-ANN or M3-2-HT64?
M3-2-ANN. Its machinability rates poor (30/100) against not recommended (4/100) for M3-2-HT64; for welding the order is M3-2-ANN first (poor, 18/100) then M3-2-HT64 (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M3-2-ANN and M3-2-HT64 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.