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Steel SCCrM3-QT vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC

Steel · SCCrM3 temper comparison

SCCrM3-QT and SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, SCCrM3: QT (quenched and tempered) 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 720 MPa (104 ksi) for SCCrM3-QT, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, SCCrM3-QT is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 6% for SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC, and SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC is harder (330 HB vs 270 HB). SCCrM3-QT runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, SCCrM3-QT machines more easily (fair vs poor) and SCCrM3-QT welds better (fair vs poor).

SCCrM3-QTChoose 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-QT vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC: properties

SCCrM3-QTSCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,080 MPa157 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

720 MPa104 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Elongation at Break

9%
6%

Reduction in Area

25%
18%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

370 MPa53.7 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
16 J11.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

270 HB
330 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

27 HRC
35 HRC

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)

450°C842 °F
400°C752 °F

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

40 / 100
28 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
30%

Weldability

40 / 100
30 / 100

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleSCCrM3

SCCrM3-QT vs SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC — frequently asked

Is SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC stronger than SCCrM3-QT?

Yes. SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 720 MPa (104 ksi) for SCCrM3-QT — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, QT or QT-32-38HRC?

QT is the default SCCrM3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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-QT or SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC?

SCCrM3-QT. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (28/100) for SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC; for welding the order is SCCrM3-QT first (fair, 40/100) then SCCrM3 QT-32-38HRC (poor, 30/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCCrM3-QT 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.