Steel NAK80 Nitrided vs NAK80 Prehard
Steel · NAK80 temper comparison
NAK80 Nitrided and NAK80 Prehard are two conditions of the same steel grade, NAK80: Nitrided versus Prehard (pre-hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,150 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Nitrided versus pre-hardened). NAK80 Prehard is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for NAK80 Nitrided, and NAK80 Nitrided is harder (380 HB vs 270 HB). NAK80 Nitrided runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, NAK80 Prehard machines more easily (good vs not recommended) and NAK80 Prehard welds better (fair vs not recommended).
NAK80 NitridedChoose it when the part sees heat.
NAK80 PrehardChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
NAK80 Nitrided vs NAK80 Prehard: 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.
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 1,300 MPa189 ksi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 1,150 MPa167 ksi · Shear Strength 780 MPa113 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell C 40 HRC
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 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 30 W/m·K17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 5.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 65 L/kg7.8 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.
NAK80 Nitrided vs NAK80 Prehard — frequently asked
What is the difference between NAK80 Nitrided and NAK80 Prehard?
NAK80 Nitrided and NAK80 Prehard are two conditions of the same steel grade, NAK80: Nitrided versus Prehard (pre-hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 1,150 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Nitrided versus pre-hardened).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Nitrided or Prehard?
Annealed is the default NAK80 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Nitrided nor Prehard). 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, NAK80 Nitrided or NAK80 Prehard?
NAK80 Prehard. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against not recommended (10/100) for NAK80 Nitrided; for welding the order is NAK80 Prehard first (fair, 50/100) then NAK80 Nitrided (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in NAK80 Nitrided and NAK80 Prehard 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.