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Steel X15CrMo5-1-AF vs X15CrMo5-1-QT

Steel · X15CrMo5-1 temper comparison

X15CrMo5-1-AF and X15CrMo5-1-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, X15CrMo5-1: AF (as-forged / hot rolled) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. X15CrMo5-1-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for X15CrMo5-1-AF, about 23% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). X15CrMo5-1-QT runs hotter in service (580°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, X15CrMo5-1-QT welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100) and X15CrMo5-1-QT forms better (fair vs poor).

X15CrMo5-1-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

X15CrMo5-1-AF vs X15CrMo5-1-QT: properties

X15CrMo5-1-AFX15CrMo5-1-QT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

700 MPa102 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

480 MPa69.6 ksi
590 MPa85.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
19%

Reduction in Area

45%
50%

Compressive Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
470 MPa68.2 ksi

Shear Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

310 MPa45 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

25 J18.4 ft·lbf
45 J33.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

230 HB
235 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

22 HRC
23 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

242 HV
250 HV

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

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 1,510°C2,750 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

36 W/m·K20.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
37 W/m·K21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

450°C842 °F
580°C1,076 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

5.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22 µΩ·in
5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.1 % IACS

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

37 / 100
38 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

42%
40%

Weldability

35 / 100
45 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
35 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%

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.

2005001,0002,0007.588.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleX15CrMo5-1

X15CrMo5-1-AF vs X15CrMo5-1-QT — frequently asked

Is X15CrMo5-1-QT stronger than X15CrMo5-1-AF?

Yes. X15CrMo5-1-QT has a typical yield strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for X15CrMo5-1-AF — about 23% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AF or QT?

NT is the default X15CrMo5-1 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AF 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 welds better, X15CrMo5-1-AF or X15CrMo5-1-QT?

X15CrMo5-1-QT. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against fair (35/100) for X15CrMo5-1-AF.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in X15CrMo5-1-AF and X15CrMo5-1-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.