Steel Q355C-CD vs Q355C-N
Steel · Q355C temper comparison
Q355C-CD and Q355C-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q355C: CD (cold drawn) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Q355C-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for Q355C-N, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi). In exchange, Q355C-N is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for Q355C-CD, and Q355C-CD is harder (185 HB vs 155 HB).
Q355C-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Q355C-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Q355C-CD vs Q355C-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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 0.3 · Reduction in Area 50% · Compressive Strength 380 MPa55.1 ksi · Shear Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 158 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.27 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 24 MJ/kg10,318 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 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.
Q355C-CD vs Q355C-N — frequently asked
Is Q355C-CD stronger than Q355C-N?
Yes. Q355C-CD has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for Q355C-N — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or N?
HR is the default Q355C 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 welds better, Q355C-CD or Q355C-N?
Q355C-N. Its weldability rates excellent (86/100) against very good (80/100) for Q355C-CD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q355C-CD and Q355C-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.