Steel P4-ANN vs P4-N
Steel · P4 temper comparison
P4-ANN and P4-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, P4: ANN (annealed) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P4-N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for P4-ANN, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi). In exchange, P4-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 18% for P4-N, and P4-N is harder (230 HB vs 122 HB). On the shop floor, P4-ANN machines more easily (good vs fair).
P4-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
P4-NChoose it when strength drives the design.
P4-ANN vs P4-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 207 GPa30 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 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 88 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
P4-ANN vs P4-N — frequently asked
Is P4-N stronger than P4-ANN?
Yes. P4-N has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for P4-ANN — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or N?
ANN is the default P4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, P4-ANN or P4-N?
P4-ANN. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for P4-N; for welding the order is P4-ANN first (fair, 45/100) then P4-N (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P4-ANN and P4-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.