Steel Q460-HR vs Q460-M
Steel · Q460 temper comparison
Q460-HR and Q460-M are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q460: HR (hot rolled) versus M (thermomechanically controlled processed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 500 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (hot rolled versus thermomechanically controlled processed). Q460-HR runs hotter in service (350°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, Q460-M welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).
Q460-HRChoose it when the part sees heat.
Q460-MChoose it when it will be welded.
Q460-HR vs Q460-M: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 52% · Compressive Strength 500 MPa72.5 ksi · Shear Strength 375 MPa54.4 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 265 MPa38.4 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 90 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 195 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °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 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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 52 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 55% · Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 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.
Q460-HR vs Q460-M — frequently asked
What is the difference between Q460-HR and Q460-M?
Q460-HR and Q460-M are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q460: HR (hot rolled) versus M (thermomechanically controlled processed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 500 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (hot rolled versus thermomechanically controlled processed).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or M?
HR is the default Q460 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, Q460-HR or Q460-M?
Q460-M. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (70/100) for Q460-HR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q460-HR and Q460-M 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.