Steel SK3 Normalized vs SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC
Steel · SK3 temper comparison
SK3 Normalized and SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, SK3: Normalized versus Q&T 48-52 HRC (tempered ~400 °C). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for SK3 Normalized, about 179% more; tensile strength follows at 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, SK3 Normalized is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 6% for SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC, and SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC is harder (490 HB vs 270 HB). On the shop floor, SK3 Normalized machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
SK3 NormalizedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
SK3 Normalized vs SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC: 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.
SK3 NormalizedSK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Rockwell B 92 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,460°C2,660 °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 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °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 9 / 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 50 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 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.
SK3 Normalized vs SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC — frequently asked
Is SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC stronger than SK3 Normalized?
Yes. SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for SK3 Normalized — about 179% more. Tensile strength is 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Normalized or Q&T 48-52 HRC?
Annealed is the default SK3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Normalized nor Q&T 48-52 HRC). 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, SK3 Normalized or SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC?
SK3 Normalized. Its machinability rates poor (30/100) against not recommended (12/100) for SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SK3 Normalized and SK3 Q&T 48-52 HRC 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.