Steel M42 Annealed vs M42 Q&T
Steel · M42 temper comparison
M42 Annealed and M42 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, M42: Annealed versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. M42 Q&T is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2,400 MPa (348 ksi) against 900 MPa (131 ksi) for M42 Annealed, about 167% more. In exchange, M42 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 0% for M42 Q&T, and M42 Q&T is harder (65 HRC vs 25 HRC). M42 Q&T runs hotter in service (590°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, M42 Annealed machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
M42 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
M42 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
M42 Annealed vs M42 Q&T: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 222 GPa32.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 86 GPa12.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Reduction in Area 20% · Hardness, Brinell 255 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 101 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.98 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,290°C2,354 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 18 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 62 MJ/kg26,655 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
M42 Annealed vs M42 Q&T — frequently asked
Is M42 Q&T stronger than M42 Annealed?
Yes. M42 Q&T has a typical tensile strength of 2,400 MPa (348 ksi) against 900 MPa (131 ksi) for M42 Annealed — about 167% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or Q&T?
Annealed is the default M42 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, M42 Annealed or M42 Q&T?
M42 Annealed. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against not recommended (5/100) for M42 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M42 Annealed and M42 Q&T 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.