Steel Permendur-CR vs Permendur-MA
Steel · Permendur temper comparison
Permendur-CR and Permendur-MA are two conditions of the same steel grade, Permendur: CR (cold rolled) versus MA (magnetic final anneal). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Permendur-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for Permendur-MA, about 112% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, Permendur-MA is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for Permendur-CR, and Permendur-CR is harder (285 HB vs 190 HB). Permendur-MA runs hotter in service (500°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, Permendur-MA welds better (fair vs poor).
Permendur-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
Permendur-MAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Permendur-CR vs Permendur-MA: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.12 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,440°C2,624 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 9.6 µm/m·K5.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.5 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 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.
Permendur-CR vs Permendur-MA — frequently asked
Is Permendur-CR stronger than Permendur-MA?
Yes. Permendur-CR has a typical yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for Permendur-MA — about 112% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or MA?
MA is the default Permendur 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 welds better, Permendur-CR or Permendur-MA?
Permendur-MA. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for Permendur-CR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Permendur-CR and Permendur-MA 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.