Steel SCCrM3-A vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC
Steel · SCCrM3 temper comparison
SCCrM3-A and SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, SCCrM3: A (solution annealed) versus QT-32-38HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for SCCrM3-A, about 125% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, SCCrM3-A is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 6% for SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC, and SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC is harder (330 HB vs 185 HB). SCCrM3-A runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, SCCrM3-A machines more easily (good vs poor) and SCCrM3-A welds better (fair vs poor).
SCCrM3-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
SCCrM3-A vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 720 MPa104 ksi · Shear Strength 540 MPa78.3 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 285 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 13 / 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) 10 / 100 · Castability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 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) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
SCCrM3-A vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC — frequently asked
Is SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC stronger than SCCrM3-A?
Yes. SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for SCCrM3-A — about 125% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT-32-38HRC?
QT is the default SCCrM3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor QT-32-38HRC). 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, SCCrM3-A or SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC?
SCCrM3-A. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (28/100) for SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC; for welding the order is SCCrM3-A first (fair, 50/100) then SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCCrM3-A and SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC 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.