Steel Q355NH-C vs Q355NH-CR
Steel · Q355NH temper comparison
Q355NH-C and Q355NH-CR are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q355NH: C (quality grade C) versus CR (cold rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Q355NH-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Q355NH-C, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi). In exchange, Q355NH-C is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 18% for Q355NH-CR, and Q355NH-CR is harder (190 HB vs 165 HB). Q355NH-C runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).
Q355NH-CChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Q355NH-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
Q355NH-C vs Q355NH-CR: 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 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 44 W/m·K25.4 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 32 / 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 50 / 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 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.
Q355NH-C vs Q355NH-CR — frequently asked
Is Q355NH-CR stronger than Q355NH-C?
Yes. Q355NH-CR has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Q355NH-C — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 540 MPa (78.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, C or CR?
HR is the default Q355NH condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither C nor CR). 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.
When should I choose Q355NH-C over Q355NH-CR?
Pick Q355NH-C when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick Q355NH-CR when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q355NH-C and Q355NH-CR 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.