Steel S4-HR vs S4 NORM
Steel · S4 temper comparison
S4-HR and S4 NORM are two conditions of the same steel grade, S4: HR (hot rolled) versus NORM (normalized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S4 NORM is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for S4-HR, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, S4-HR is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for S4 NORM, and S4 NORM is harder (320 HB vs 280 HB). S4-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous).
S4-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S4 NORMChoose it when strength drives the design.
S4-HR vs S4 NORM: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.79 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °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 470 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 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
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) -0.55 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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 33 MJ/kg14,187 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 65 L/kg7.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
S4-HR vs S4 NORM — frequently asked
Is S4 NORM stronger than S4-HR?
Yes. S4 NORM has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for S4-HR — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or NORM?
Annealed is the default S4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor NORM). 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 S4-HR over S4 NORM?
Pick S4-HR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick S4 NORM when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S4-HR and S4 NORM 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.