Steel SECC-HR vs SECC-4
Steel · SECC temper comparison
SECC-HR and SECC-4 are two conditions of the same steel grade, SECC: HR (hot rolled) versus SECC-4 (1/8 hard (temper-rolled), electro-galvanized). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SECC-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for SECC-HR, about 19% more. In exchange, SECC-HR is the more ductile: elongation 36% versus 24% for SECC-4, and SECC-4 is harder (118 HB vs 105 HB). SECC-HR runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, SECC-HR welds better (excellent vs very good).
SECC-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SECC-4Choose it when strength drives the design.
SECC-HR vs SECC-4: 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)
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 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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-HR vs SECC-4 — frequently asked
Is SECC-4 stronger than SECC-HR?
Yes. SECC-4 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for SECC-HR — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or SECC-4?
HR is the default SECC 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, SECC-HR or SECC-4?
SECC-4, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 62/100 for SECC-HR; for welding the order is SECC-HR first (excellent, 88/100) then SECC-4 (very good, 78/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SECC-HR and SECC-4 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.