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Steel X15CrMo5-1-NT vs X15CrMo5-1-QT

Steel · X15CrMo5-1 temper comparison

X15CrMo5-1-NT and X15CrMo5-1-QT are two conditions of the same steel grade, X15CrMo5-1: NT 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 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for X15CrMo5-1-NT, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, X15CrMo5-1-NT is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 19% for X15CrMo5-1-QT, and X15CrMo5-1-QT is harder (235 HB vs 200 HB).

X15CrMo5-1-NTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

X15CrMo5-1-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.

X15CrMo5-1-NT vs X15CrMo5-1-QT: properties

X15CrMo5-1-NTX15CrMo5-1-QT

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

660 MPa95.7 ksi
760 MPa110 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
590 MPa85.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
19%

Reduction in Area

58%
50%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
45 J33.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

200 HB
235 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

15 HRC
23 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

210 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 · Compressive Strength 470 MPa68.2 ksi · Shear Strength 400 MPa58 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 1,510°C2,750 °F

Thermal

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

600°C1,112 °F
580°C1,076 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 37 W/m·K21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in

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

45 / 100
38 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
40%

Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100 · Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · 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-NT vs X15CrMo5-1-QT — frequently asked

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

Yes. X15CrMo5-1-QT has a typical yield strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for X15CrMo5-1-NT — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).

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

NT is the default X15CrMo5-1 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.

Which is easier to machine, X15CrMo5-1-NT or X15CrMo5-1-QT?

X15CrMo5-1-NT, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for X15CrMo5-1-QT.

Ready to make it?

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