Steel Q235C-A vs Q235C-CD
Steel · Q235C temper comparison
Q235C-A and Q235C-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q235C: A (solution annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Q235C-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for Q235C-A, about 79% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 390 MPa (56.6 ksi). In exchange, Q235C-A is the more ductile: elongation 36% versus 14% for Q235C-CD, and Q235C-CD is harder (160 HB vs 110 HB). Q235C-A runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, Q235C-CD machines more easily (very good vs good).
Q235C-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Q235C-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
Q235C-A vs Q235C-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
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
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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature 0°C32 °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.
Q235C-A vs Q235C-CD — frequently asked
Is Q235C-CD stronger than Q235C-A?
Yes. Q235C-CD has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for Q235C-A — about 79% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 390 MPa (56.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD?
HR is the default Q235C 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, Q235C-A or Q235C-CD?
Q235C-CD. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (58/100) for Q235C-A; for welding the order is Q235C-A first (excellent, 96/100) then Q235C-CD (excellent, 88/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q235C-A and Q235C-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.