Steel S1 H&T 50-52 HRC vs S1 Q&T
Steel · S1 temper comparison
S1 H&T 50-52 HRC and S1 Q&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, S1: H&T 50-52 HRC (tempered ~425 °C for maximum shock resistance) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S1 Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) against 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for S1 H&T 50-52 HRC, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,700 MPa (247 ksi). In exchange, S1 H&T 50-52 HRC is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 6% for S1 Q&T, and S1 Q&T is harder (600 HV vs 525 HV). S1 H&T 50-52 HRC runs hotter in service (350°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, S1 H&T 50-52 HRC welds better (poor vs not recommended).
S1 H&T 50-52 HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S1 Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
S1 H&T 50-52 HRC vs S1 Q&T: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 45% · Hardness, Brinell 200 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 94 HRB
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 1,470°C2,678 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.06 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
S1 H&T 50-52 HRC vs S1 Q&T — frequently asked
Is S1 Q&T stronger than S1 H&T 50-52 HRC?
Yes. S1 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,550 MPa (225 ksi) against 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for S1 H&T 50-52 HRC — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,700 MPa (247 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H&T 50-52 HRC or Q&T?
Annealed is the default S1 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H&T 50-52 HRC nor Q&T). 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, S1 H&T 50-52 HRC or S1 Q&T?
S1 H&T 50-52 HRC. Its weldability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (10/100) for S1 Q&T.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S1 H&T 50-52 HRC and S1 Q&T 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.