Steel Q215-A vs Q215-CD
Steel · Q215 temper comparison
Q215-A and Q215-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q215: A (solution annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Q215-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for Q215-A, about 95% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 345 MPa (50 ksi). In exchange, Q215-A is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 12% for Q215-CD, and Q215-CD is harder (150 HB vs 105 HB). Q215-A runs hotter in service (350°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, Q215-CD machines more easily (68 vs 56 out of 100).
Q215-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Q215-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
Q215-A vs Q215-CD: 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
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 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,525°C2,777 °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 470 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 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °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) -0.62 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
Q215-A vs Q215-CD — frequently asked
Is Q215-CD stronger than Q215-A?
Yes. Q215-CD has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for Q215-A — about 95% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 345 MPa (50 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD?
HR is the default Q215 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor CD). 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, Q215-A or Q215-CD?
Q215-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 56/100 for Q215-A; for welding the order is Q215-A first (excellent, 95/100) then Q215-CD (excellent, 88/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q215-A and Q215-CD 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.