Steel X12CrMo5 +I vs X12CrMo5 +QT
Steel · X12CrMo5 temper comparison
X12CrMo5 +I and X12CrMo5 +QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, X12CrMo5: +I (isothermally annealed) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. X12CrMo5 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for X12CrMo5 +I, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi). In exchange, X12CrMo5 +I is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 18% for X12CrMo5 +QT, and X12CrMo5 +QT is harder (220 HB vs 165 HB). X12CrMo5 +QT runs hotter in service (600°C vs 550°C continuous). On the shop floor, X12CrMo5 +I machines more easily (good vs fair) and X12CrMo5 +I welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
X12CrMo5 +IChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
X12CrMo5 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
X12CrMo5 +I vs X12CrMo5 +QT: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 213 GPa30.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 82 GPa11.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 520 MPa75.4 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.78 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,490°C2,714 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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) 11.3 µm/m·K6.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.4 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 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 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
X12CrMo5 +I vs X12CrMo5 +QT — frequently asked
Is X12CrMo5 +QT stronger than X12CrMo5 +I?
Yes. X12CrMo5 +QT has a typical yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for X12CrMo5 +I — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +I or +QT?
+NT is the default X12CrMo5 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +I nor +QT). 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, X12CrMo5 +I or X12CrMo5 +QT?
X12CrMo5 +I. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (46/100) for X12CrMo5 +QT; for welding the order is X12CrMo5 +I first (fair, 45/100) then X12CrMo5 +QT (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in X12CrMo5 +I and X12CrMo5 +QT 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.