Steel P2-N vs P2 QT-CORE
Steel · P2 temper comparison
P2-N and P2 QT-CORE are two conditions of the same steel grade, P2: N (normalized) versus QT-CORE (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P2 QT-CORE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for P2-N, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, P2-N is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 17% for P2 QT-CORE, and P2 QT-CORE is harder (250 HB vs 150 HB). P2-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, P2-N machines more easily (good vs fair).
P2-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
P2 QT-COREChoose it when strength drives the design.
P2-N vs P2 QT-CORE: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Shear Strength 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 40 W/m·K23.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 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 60 / 100 · Formability (cold) 70 / 100 · Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
P2-N vs P2 QT-CORE — frequently asked
Is P2 QT-CORE stronger than P2-N?
Yes. P2 QT-CORE has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for P2-N — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 830 MPa (120 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N or QT-CORE?
ANN is the default P2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N nor QT-CORE). 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, P2-N or P2 QT-CORE?
P2-N. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (50/100) for P2 QT-CORE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P2-N and P2 QT-CORE 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.