Steel P3 CARB-HT vs P3-N
Steel · P3 temper comparison
P3 CARB-HT and P3-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, P3: CARB-HT (carburized, hardened and low-temperature tempered) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P3 CARB-HT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for P3-N, about 90% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, P3-N is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 12% for P3 CARB-HT, and P3 CARB-HT is harder (600 HB vs 190 HB). P3-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, P3-N machines more easily (good vs poor) and P3-N welds better (good vs poor).
P3 CARB-HTChoose it when strength drives the design.
P3-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
P3 CARB-HT vs P3-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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °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) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 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 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) -0.6 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: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 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.
P3 CARB-HT vs P3-N — frequently asked
Is P3 CARB-HT stronger than P3-N?
Yes. P3 CARB-HT has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for P3-N — about 90% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CARB-HT or N?
ANN is the default P3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CARB-HT 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, P3 CARB-HT or P3-N?
P3-N. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against poor (15/100) for P3 CARB-HT; for welding the order is P3-N first (good, 62/100) then P3 CARB-HT (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P3 CARB-HT and P3-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.