Steel M52-ANN vs M52 HT-CRYO
Steel · M52 temper comparison
M52-ANN and M52 HT-CRYO are two conditions of the same steel grade, M52: ANN (annealed) versus HT-CRYO (hardened + deep cryogenic (−196 °C) + triple temper, 65–66 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. M52 HT-CRYO is the stronger of the two: yield strength 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for M52-ANN, about 4.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 860 MPa (125 ksi). In exchange, M52-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 0.5% for M52 HT-CRYO, and M52 HT-CRYO is harder (735 HB vs 248 HB). M52 HT-CRYO runs hotter in service (520°C vs 400°C continuous) and M52-ANN conducts heat better (24 W/m·K vs 21.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, M52-ANN machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and M52-ANN welds better (poor vs not recommended).
M52-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
M52 HT-CRYOChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
M52-ANN vs M52 HT-CRYO: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 83 GPa12 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Hardness, Rockwell B 101 HRB
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.
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) 11.2 µm/m·K6.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V
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: Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 46 MJ/kg19,776 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 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.
M52-ANN vs M52 HT-CRYO — frequently asked
Is M52 HT-CRYO stronger than M52-ANN?
Yes. M52 HT-CRYO has a typical yield strength of 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for M52-ANN — about 4.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 860 MPa (125 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or HT-CRYO?
ANN is the default M52 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, M52-ANN or M52 HT-CRYO?
M52-ANN. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against not recommended (2/100) for M52 HT-CRYO; for welding the order is M52-ANN first (poor, 15/100) then M52 HT-CRYO (not recommended, 3/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M52-ANN and M52 HT-CRYO 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.