Steel M34-A vs M34 CD-A
Steel · M34 temper comparison
M34-A and M34 CD-A are two conditions of the same steel grade, M34: A (solution annealed) versus CD-A (cold drawn / ground annealed bar). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. M34 CD-A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for M34-A, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi). In exchange, M34-A is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 14% for M34 CD-A, and M34 CD-A is harder (255 HB vs 235 HB).
M34-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
M34 CD-AChoose it when strength drives the design.
M34-A vs M34 CD-A: 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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 217 GPa31.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.03 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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.7 µm/m·K5.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 550°C1,022 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.5 V · Corrosion Resistance 18 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 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.
M34-A vs M34 CD-A — frequently asked
Is M34 CD-A stronger than M34-A?
Yes. M34 CD-A has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for M34-A — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD-A?
A is the default M34 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 M34-A over M34 CD-A?
Pick M34-A when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick M34 CD-A when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M34-A and M34 CD-A 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.