FabDigitFabDigit

Steel SKH59 QT64-66 vs SKH59 QT68-70

Steel · SKH59 temper comparison

SKH59 QT64-66 and SKH59 QT68-70 are two conditions of the same steel grade, SKH59: QT64-66 (hardened & tempered, 64–66 HRC) versus QT68-70 (hardened & tempered, 68–70 HRC). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SKH59 QT68-70 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for SKH59 QT64-66, about 3.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). SKH59 QT68-70 is harder — 69 HRC against 65 HRC for SKH59 QT64-66 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. SKH59 QT64-66 conducts electricity better (2.9 % IACS vs 2.6 % IACS). On the shop floor, SKH59 QT64-66 welds better (poor vs not recommended).

SKH59 QT64-66Choose it when it will be welded.

SKH59 QT68-70Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

SKH59 QT64-66 vs SKH59 QT68-70: properties

SKH59 QT64-66SKH59 QT68-70

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
2,100 MPa305 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

600 MPa87 ksi
2,000 MPa290 ksi

Reduction in Area

25%
0%

Compressive Strength

3,600 MPa522 ksi
4,100 MPa595 ksi

Shear Strength

560 MPa81.2 ksi
1,400 MPa203 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

800 MPa116 ksi
750 MPa109 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

4 J3 ft·lbf
2 J1.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Rockwell C

65 HRC
69 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

830 HV
960 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 230 GPa33.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 86 GPa12.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 170 GPa24.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Elongation at Break 0% · Hardness, Brinell 255 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 101 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.98 g/cm³0.29 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

19 W/m·K11 BTU/hr·ft·°F
21 W/m·K12.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

600°C1,112 °F
620°C1,148 °F

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 -50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.9 % IACS
2.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
6.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m26 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

18 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

5 / 100
3 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
3%

Weldability

15 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
1 / 100

Same in both: Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleSKH59

SKH59 QT64-66 vs SKH59 QT68-70 — frequently asked

Is SKH59 QT68-70 stronger than SKH59 QT64-66?

Yes. SKH59 QT68-70 has a typical yield strength of 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for SKH59 QT64-66 — about 3.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, QT64-66 or QT68-70?

ANN is the default SKH59 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither QT64-66 nor QT68-70). 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 welds better, SKH59 QT64-66 or SKH59 QT68-70?

SKH59 QT64-66. Its weldability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (5/100) for SKH59 QT68-70.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SKH59 QT64-66 and SKH59 QT68-70 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.