Steel WC4-ANN vs WC4 Q+T
Steel · WC4 temper comparison
WC4-ANN and WC4 Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, WC4: ANN (annealed) versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WC4 Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for WC4-ANN, about 54% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, WC4-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for WC4 Q+T, and WC4 Q+T is harder (180 HB vs 140 HB).
WC4-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WC4 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design.
WC4-ANN vs WC4 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 55%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 540°C1,004 °F · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 14 / 100
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 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
WC4-ANN vs WC4 Q+T — frequently asked
Is WC4 Q+T stronger than WC4-ANN?
Yes. WC4 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for WC4-ANN — about 54% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or Q+T?
N+T is the default WC4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither ANN 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, WC4-ANN or WC4 Q+T?
WC4-ANN. Its machinability rates good (63/100) against fair (54/100) for WC4 Q+T; for welding the order is WC4-ANN first (good, 62/100) then WC4 Q+T (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC4-ANN and WC4 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.