Steel WC6-ANN vs WC6 Q+T
Steel · WC6 temper comparison
WC6-ANN and WC6 Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, WC6: ANN (annealed) versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WC6 Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for WC6-ANN, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, WC6-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 24% for WC6 Q+T, and WC6 Q+T is harder (190 HB vs 145 HB). On the shop floor, WC6-ANN machines more easily (good vs fair).
WC6-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
WC6 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design.
WC6-ANN vs WC6 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 207 GPa30 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 1,510°C2,750 °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 465 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 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 Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 16 / 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 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 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.
WC6-ANN vs WC6 Q+T — frequently asked
Is WC6 Q+T stronger than WC6-ANN?
Yes. WC6 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for WC6-ANN — about 45% 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 WC6 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, WC6-ANN or WC6 Q+T?
WC6-ANN. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (50/100) for WC6 Q+T; for welding the order is WC6-ANN first (very good, 70/100) then WC6 Q+T (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC6-ANN and WC6 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.