Steel SCM420-CD vs SCM420 Normalized
Steel · SCM420 temper comparison
SCM420-CD and SCM420 Normalized are two conditions of the same steel grade, SCM420: CD (cold drawn) versus Normalized. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SCM420-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for SCM420 Normalized, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, SCM420 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 13% for SCM420-CD, and SCM420-CD is harder (225 HB vs 207 HB). SCM420 Normalized runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
SCM420-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
SCM420 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SCM420-CD vs SCM420 Normalized: 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
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 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °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 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
SCM420-CD vs SCM420 Normalized — frequently asked
Is SCM420-CD stronger than SCM420 Normalized?
Yes. SCM420-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for SCM420 Normalized — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Normalized?
HR is the default SCM420 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Normalized). 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, SCM420-CD or SCM420 Normalized?
SCM420-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 66/100 against 59/100 for SCM420 Normalized; for welding the order is SCM420 Normalized first (good, 55/100) then SCM420-CD (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCM420-CD and SCM420 Normalized 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.