Steel Mild Steel-CR vs Mild Steel-N
Steel · Mild Steel temper comparison
Mild Steel-CR and Mild Steel-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, Mild Steel: CR (cold rolled) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Mild Steel-N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for Mild Steel-CR, about 8% more; tensile strength follows at 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi). In exchange, Mild Steel-CR is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 28% for Mild Steel-N, and Mild Steel-N is harder (125 HB vs 110 HB).
Mild Steel-CRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mild Steel-NChoose it when strength drives the design.
Mild Steel-CR vs Mild Steel-N: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 110 MPa·√m100 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 126 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 62 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
Mild Steel-CR vs Mild Steel-N — frequently asked
Is Mild Steel-N stronger than Mild Steel-CR?
Yes. Mild Steel-N has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for Mild Steel-CR — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or N?
HR is the default Mild Steel condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor N). 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 Mild Steel-CR over Mild Steel-N?
Pick Mild Steel-CR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick Mild Steel-N when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Mild Steel-CR and Mild Steel-N 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.