Steel P6-ANN vs P6 HT-CORE
Steel · P6 temper comparison
P6-ANN and P6 HT-CORE are two conditions of the same steel grade, P6: ANN (annealed) versus HT-CORE (hardened & tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. P6 HT-CORE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for P6-ANN, about 117% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi). In exchange, P6-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 14% for P6 HT-CORE, and P6 HT-CORE is harder (327 HB vs 195 HB). P6-ANN runs hotter in service (300°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, P6-ANN machines more easily (good vs fair) and P6-ANN welds better (good vs fair).
P6-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
P6 HT-COREChoose it when strength drives the design.
P6-ANN vs P6 HT-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
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Shear Strength 420 MPa60.9 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
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 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.8 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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 70 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 45%
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.
P6-ANN vs P6 HT-CORE — frequently asked
Is P6 HT-CORE stronger than P6-ANN?
Yes. P6 HT-CORE has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) for P6-ANN — about 117% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or HT-CORE?
ANN is the default P6 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, P6-ANN or P6 HT-CORE?
P6-ANN. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (40/100) for P6 HT-CORE; for welding the order is P6-ANN first (good, 60/100) then P6 HT-CORE (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in P6-ANN and P6 HT-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.