Steel S235JR-CR vs S235JR-N
Steel · S235JR temper comparison
S235JR-CR and S235JR-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, S235JR: CR (cold rolled) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S235JR-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for S235JR-N, about 14% more. In exchange, S235JR-N is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for S235JR-CR, and S235JR-CR is harder (130 HB vs 115 HB). S235JR-N runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
S235JR-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
S235JR-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S235JR-CR vs S235JR-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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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 0.3 · Shear Strength 255 MPa37 ksi
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 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 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 · Min Service Temperature 0°C32 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
S235JR-CR vs S235JR-N — frequently asked
Is S235JR-CR stronger than S235JR-N?
Yes. S235JR-CR has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for S235JR-N — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 410 MPa (59.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or N?
HR is the default S235JR condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR 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 is easier to machine, S235JR-CR or S235JR-N?
S235JR-CR. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (64/100) for S235JR-N.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S235JR-CR and S235JR-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.