Steel P265NL-A vs P265NL CD+N
Steel · P265NL temper comparison
P265NL-A and P265NL CD+N are two conditions of the same steel grade, P265NL: A (solution annealed) versus CD+N (cold drawn seamless tube, subsequently normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P265NL CD+N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for P265NL-A, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 475 MPa (68.9 ksi) vs 425 MPa (61.6 ksi). In exchange, P265NL-A is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 27% for P265NL CD+N, and P265NL CD+N is harder (135 HB vs 118 HB).
P265NL-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
P265NL CD+NChoose it when strength drives the design.
P265NL-A vs P265NL CD+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 0.3 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 115 MPa·√m105 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 1,515°C2,759 °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) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS
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.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 90 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 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 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.
P265NL-A vs P265NL CD+N — frequently asked
Is P265NL CD+N stronger than P265NL-A?
Yes. P265NL CD+N has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for P265NL-A — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 475 MPa (68.9 ksi) vs 425 MPa (61.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD+N?
N is the default P265NL condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor CD+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 P265NL-A over P265NL CD+N?
Pick P265NL-A when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick P265NL CD+N when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P265NL-A and P265NL CD+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.