Steel WC4 N+T vs WC4 Q+T
Steel · WC4 temper comparison
WC4 N+T and WC4 Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, WC4: N+T (normalized and tempered) 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 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4 N+T, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi). WC4 Q+T is harder — 180 HB against 163 HB for WC4 N+T — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
WC4 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
WC4 N+T 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
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Compressive Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Shear Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 85 HRB
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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 7.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
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 %)
Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · 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 N+T vs WC4 Q+T — frequently asked
Is WC4 Q+T stronger than WC4 N+T?
Yes. WC4 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) for WC4 N+T — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 545 MPa (79 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N+T or Q+T?
N+T is the default WC4 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 WC4 N+T over WC4 Q+T?
Pick WC4 Q+T when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC4 N+T 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.