Steel Q550 M-E vs Q550-N
Steel · Q550 temper comparison
Q550 M-E and Q550-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q550: M-E (Q550ME) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 595 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Q550ME versus normalized). Q550 M-E is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 17% for Q550-N, and Q550 M-E is harder (21 HRC vs 18 HRC). Q550-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, Q550 M-E welds better (very good vs good).
Q550 M-EChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
Q550-NChoose it when the part sees heat.
Q550 M-E vs Q550-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, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 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 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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
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 12 / 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: 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.
Q550 M-E vs Q550-N — frequently asked
What is the difference between Q550 M-E and Q550-N?
Q550 M-E and Q550-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, Q550: M-E (Q550ME) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 595 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (Q550ME versus normalized).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, M-E or N?
M-D is the default Q550 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither M-E 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, Q550 M-E or Q550-N?
Q550 M-E. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (62/100) for Q550-N.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Q550 M-E and Q550-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.