Steel WC11-AC vs WC11 Q+T
Steel · WC11 temper comparison
WC11-AC and WC11 Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, WC11: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WC11 Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for WC11-AC, about 24% more; tensile strength follows at 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). WC11 Q+T is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 14% for WC11-AC, and WC11-AC is harder (211 HV vs 200 HV). WC11 Q+T runs hotter in service (565°C vs 425°C continuous).
WC11 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WC11-AC vs WC11 Q+T: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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
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 1,505°C2,741 °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) 12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °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) -0.61 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: Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
WC11-AC vs WC11 Q+T — frequently asked
Is WC11 Q+T stronger than WC11-AC?
Yes. WC11 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for WC11-AC — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or Q+T?
N+T is the default WC11 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AC nor Q+T). 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, WC11-AC or WC11 Q+T?
WC11 Q+T, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 45/100 for WC11-AC; for welding the order is WC11 Q+T first (good, 58/100) then WC11-AC (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC11-AC and WC11 Q+T 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.