Steel SKD61 Q&T vs SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC
Steel · SKD61 temper comparison
SKD61 Q&T and SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, SKD61: Q&T (quenched and tempered) versus Q&T 52-54 HRC (low-temper, maximum hardness). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for SKD61 Q&T, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi). In exchange, SKD61 Q&T is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC, and SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC is harder (53 HRC vs 46 HRC). SKD61 Q&T runs hotter in service (560°C vs 480°C continuous). On the shop floor, SKD61 Q&T machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
SKD61 Q&TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.
SKD61 Q&T vs SKD61 Q&T 52-54 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.
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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Brinell 215 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,427°C2,601 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.5 W/m·K14.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11 µm/m·K6.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 30 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 36 MJ/kg15,477 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 65 L/kg7.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
SKD61 Q&T vs SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC — frequently asked
Is SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC stronger than SKD61 Q&T?
Yes. SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,650 MPa (239 ksi) against 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) for SKD61 Q&T — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Q&T or Q&T 52-54 HRC?
Annealed is the default SKD61 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Q&T nor Q&T 52-54 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, SKD61 Q&T or SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC?
SKD61 Q&T. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (8/100) for SKD61 Q&T 52-54 HRC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SKD61 Q&T and SKD61 Q&T 52-54 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.