Steel P255QL +CD+QT vs P255QL +N
Steel · P255QL temper comparison
P255QL +CD+QT and P255QL +N are two conditions of the same steel grade, P255QL: +CD+QT (cold drawn, then quenched and tempered) versus +N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P255QL +CD+QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for P255QL +N, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, P255QL +N is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 26% for P255QL +CD+QT, and P255QL +CD+QT is harder (145 HB vs 125 HB).
P255QL +CD+QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
P255QL +NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
P255QL +CD+QT vs P255QL +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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · 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) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
P255QL +CD+QT vs P255QL +N — frequently asked
Is P255QL +CD+QT stronger than P255QL +N?
Yes. P255QL +CD+QT has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for P255QL +N — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +CD+QT or +N?
+QT is the default P255QL condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +CD+QT 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.
Which is easier to machine, P255QL +CD+QT or P255QL +N?
P255QL +N, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 67/100 against 62/100 for P255QL +CD+QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P255QL +CD+QT and P255QL +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.