Steel S355J2-CR vs S355J2-N
Steel · S355J2 temper comparison
S355J2-CR and S355J2-N are two conditions of the same steel grade, S355J2: CR (cold rolled) versus N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S355J2-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for S355J2-N, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi). In exchange, S355J2-N is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 18% for S355J2-CR, and S355J2-CR is harder (185 HB vs 165 HB).
S355J2-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
S355J2-NChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
S355J2-CR vs S355J2-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, 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
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.
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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.65 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)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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.
S355J2-CR vs S355J2-N — frequently asked
Is S355J2-CR stronger than S355J2-N?
Yes. S355J2-CR has a typical yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for S355J2-N — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or N?
HR is the default S355J2 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.
When should I choose S355J2-CR over S355J2-N?
Pick S355J2-CR when strength drives the design. Pick S355J2-N when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S355J2-CR and S355J2-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.