Steel Q235A-CD vs Q235A-N
Steel · Q235A temper comparison
Q235A-CD and Q235A-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q235A: CD (cold drawn) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Q235A-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Q235A-N, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 410 MPa (59.5 ksi). In exchange, Q235A-N is the more ductile: elongation 31% versus 12% for Q235A-CD, and Q235A-CD is harder (163 HB vs 121 HB).
Q235A-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Q235A-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Q235A-CD vs Q235A-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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 206 GPa29.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 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) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 472 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature 0°C32 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 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: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 35 L/kg4.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
Q235A-CD vs Q235A-N — frequently asked
Is Q235A-CD stronger than Q235A-N?
Yes. Q235A-CD has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Q235A-N — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 410 MPa (59.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or N?
HR is the default Q235A condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD 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, Q235A-CD or Q235A-N?
Q235A-CD. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for Q235A-N.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q235A-CD and Q235A-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.