Steel SKH2-A vs SKH2 QT-STEAM
Steel · SKH2 temper comparison
SKH2-A and SKH2 QT-STEAM are two conditions of the same steel grade, SKH2: A (solution annealed) versus QT-STEAM (hardened & tempered + steam-oxide (blue) surface treatment). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SKH2 QT-STEAM is the stronger of the two: yield strength 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) against 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) for SKH2-A, about 3.9 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi). In exchange, SKH2-A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 0.5% for SKH2 QT-STEAM, and SKH2 QT-STEAM is harder (640 HB vs 240 HB). SKH2 QT-STEAM runs hotter in service (580°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, SKH2-A machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and SKH2-A welds better (poor vs not recommended).
SKH2-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
SKH2 QT-STEAMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SKH2-A vs SKH2 QT-STEAM: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 85 GPa12.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 167 GPa24.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Hardness, Rockwell B 99 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.67 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,290°C2,354 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,430°C2,606 °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 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.6 µm/m·K5.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.45 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 48 MJ/kg20,636 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 70 L/kg8.4 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.
SKH2-A vs SKH2 QT-STEAM — frequently asked
Is SKH2 QT-STEAM stronger than SKH2-A?
Yes. SKH2 QT-STEAM has a typical yield strength of 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) against 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) for SKH2-A — about 3.9 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT-STEAM?
A is the default SKH2 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, SKH2-A or SKH2 QT-STEAM?
SKH2-A. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against not recommended (5/100) for SKH2 QT-STEAM; for welding the order is SKH2-A first (poor, 18/100) then SKH2 QT-STEAM (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SKH2-A and SKH2 QT-STEAM 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.