Steel SECC-CR vs SECC-3
Steel · SECC temper comparison
SECC-CR and SECC-3 are two conditions of the same steel grade, SECC: CR (cold rolled) versus SECC-3 (1/4 hard, electro-galvanized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SECC-3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for SECC-CR, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, SECC-CR is the more ductile: elongation 39% versus 17% for SECC-3, and SECC-3 is harder (133 HB vs 92 HB). SECC-CR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, SECC-CR welds better (excellent vs very good).
SECC-CRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SECC-3Choose it when strength drives the design.
SECC-CR vs SECC-3: 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 B
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) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,528°C2,782 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.98 V
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 70 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 35 MJ/kg15,047 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
SECC-CR vs SECC-3 — frequently asked
Is SECC-3 stronger than SECC-CR?
Yes. SECC-3 has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for SECC-CR — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or SECC-3?
HR is the default SECC condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CR nor SECC-3). 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, SECC-CR or SECC-3?
SECC-3. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for SECC-CR; for welding the order is SECC-CR first (excellent, 90/100) then SECC-3 (very good, 76/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SECC-CR and SECC-3 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.