Steel WC9 N+T+PWHT vs WC9 Q+T
Steel · WC9 temper comparison
WC9 N+T+PWHT and WC9 Q+T are two conditions of the same steel grade, WC9: N+T+PWHT versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WC9 Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for WC9 N+T+PWHT, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi). In exchange, WC9 N+T+PWHT is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for WC9 Q+T, and WC9 Q+T is harder (185 HB vs 155 HB).
WC9 N+T+PWHTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WC9 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design.
WC9 N+T+PWHT vs WC9 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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 37 W/m·K21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 570°C1,058 °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) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 20 / 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) 31 MJ/kg13,328 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 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.
WC9 N+T+PWHT vs WC9 Q+T — frequently asked
Is WC9 Q+T stronger than WC9 N+T+PWHT?
Yes. WC9 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for WC9 N+T+PWHT — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) vs 510 MPa (74 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N+T+PWHT or Q+T?
N+T is the default WC9 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N+T+PWHT 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, WC9 N+T+PWHT or WC9 Q+T?
WC9 N+T+PWHT. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (46/100) for WC9 Q+T; for welding the order is WC9 N+T+PWHT first (fair, 48/100) then WC9 Q+T (fair, 42/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC9 N+T+PWHT and WC9 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.