Steel SCM430-CD vs SCM430 QT-32-36HRC
Steel · SCM430 temper comparison
SCM430-CD and SCM430 QT-32-36HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, SCM430: CD (cold drawn) versus QT-32-36HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SCM430 QT-32-36HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 970 MPa (141 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for SCM430-CD, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). SCM430 QT-32-36HRC is harder — 325 HB against 207 HB for SCM430-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, SCM430-CD machines more easily (good vs fair) and SCM430-CD welds better (good vs fair).
SCM430-CDChoose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
SCM430 QT-32-36HRCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
SCM430-CD vs SCM430 QT-32-36HRC: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,416°C2,581 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,493°C2,719 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42.7 W/m·K24.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 477 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.23×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.78 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 14 / 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) 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
SCM430-CD vs SCM430 QT-32-36HRC — frequently asked
Is SCM430 QT-32-36HRC stronger than SCM430-CD?
Yes. SCM430 QT-32-36HRC has a typical yield strength of 970 MPa (141 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for SCM430-CD — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or QT-32-36HRC?
QT-JIS is the default SCM430 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor QT-32-36HRC). 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, SCM430-CD or SCM430 QT-32-36HRC?
SCM430-CD. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (38/100) for SCM430 QT-32-36HRC; for welding the order is SCM430-CD first (good, 55/100) then SCM430 QT-32-36HRC (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCM430-CD and SCM430 QT-32-36HRC 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.