Steel S355K2W +AR-THICK vs S355K2W +N
Steel · S355K2W temper comparison
S355K2W +AR-THICK and S355K2W +N are two conditions of the same steel grade, S355K2W: +AR-THICK (+AR) versus +N (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S355K2W +N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) against 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) for S355K2W +AR-THICK, about 8% more. S355K2W +N is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 25% for S355K2W +AR-THICK.
S355K2W +NChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
S355K2W +AR-THICK vs S355K2W +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, 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 · Hardness, Brinell 150 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 80 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,460°C2,660 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 32 / 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: Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 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) 2.2 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.
S355K2W +AR-THICK vs S355K2W +N — frequently asked
Is S355K2W +N stronger than S355K2W +AR-THICK?
Yes. S355K2W +N has a typical yield strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) against 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) for S355K2W +AR-THICK — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +AR-THICK or +N?
+AR is the default S355K2W condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +AR-THICK 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, S355K2W +AR-THICK or S355K2W +N?
S355K2W +N. Its weldability rates very good (82/100) against very good (76/100) for S355K2W +AR-THICK.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S355K2W +AR-THICK and S355K2W +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.