Steel SS400-CR vs SS400-HR
Steel · SS400 temper comparison
SS400-CR and SS400-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, SS400: CR (cold rolled) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SS400-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) for SS400-HR, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, SS400-HR is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 16% for SS400-CR, and SS400-CR is harder (150 HB vs 125 HB).
SS400-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
SS400-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
SS400-CR vs SS400-HR: 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
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 · Reduction in Area 55% · Compressive Strength 280 MPa40.6 ksi · Shear Strength 290 MPa42.1 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,520°C2,768 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 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 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % 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) -0.65 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 65 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 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.
SS400-CR vs SS400-HR — frequently asked
Is SS400-CR stronger than SS400-HR?
Yes. SS400-CR has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) for SS400-HR — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or HR?
HR is the default SS400 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.
When should I choose SS400-CR over SS400-HR?
Pick SS400-CR when strength drives the design. Pick SS400-HR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SS400-CR and SS400-HR 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.