Steel SCM445-CD vs SCM445-IH
Steel · SCM445 temper comparison
SCM445-CD and SCM445-IH are two conditions of the same steel grade, SCM445: CD (cold drawn) versus IH (induction hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SCM445-IH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 720 MPa (104 ksi) for SCM445-CD, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 860 MPa (125 ksi). SCM445-IH is harder — 600 HB against 255 HB for SCM445-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. SCM445-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, SCM445-CD machines more easily (fair vs not recommended), SCM445-CD welds better (poor vs not recommended), and SCM445-CD forms better (poor vs not recommended).
SCM445-CDChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
SCM445-IHChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
SCM445-CD vs SCM445-IH: 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)
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Elongation at Break 12% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
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 1,490°C2,714 °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) 12.3 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 45 L/kg5.4 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.
SCM445-CD vs SCM445-IH — frequently asked
Is SCM445-IH stronger than SCM445-CD?
Yes. SCM445-IH has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 720 MPa (104 ksi) for SCM445-CD — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 1,130 MPa (164 ksi) vs 860 MPa (125 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or IH?
QT is the default SCM445 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor IH). 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, SCM445-CD or SCM445-IH?
SCM445-CD. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against not recommended (12/100) for SCM445-IH; for welding the order is SCM445-CD first (poor, 22/100) then SCM445-IH (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SCM445-CD and SCM445-IH 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.