Steel SC480-A vs SC480-QT
Steel · SC480 temper comparison
SC480-A and SC480-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, SC480: A (solution annealed) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SC480-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for SC480-A, about 65% more; tensile strength follows at 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 495 MPa (71.8 ksi). In exchange, SC480-A is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 18% for SC480-QT, and SC480-QT is harder (200 HB vs 150 HB). On the shop floor, SC480-A machines more easily (good vs fair) and SC480-A welds better (good vs fair).
SC480-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
SC480-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
SC480-A vs SC480-QT: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 290 MPa42.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.82 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °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) -0.61 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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%
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.
SC480-A vs SC480-QT — frequently asked
Is SC480-QT stronger than SC480-A?
Yes. SC480-QT has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for SC480-A — about 65% more. Tensile strength is 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 495 MPa (71.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT?
N is the default SC480 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT). 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, SC480-A or SC480-QT?
SC480-A. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (48/100) for SC480-QT; for welding the order is SC480-A first (good, 58/100) then SC480-QT (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SC480-A and SC480-QT 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.