Steel Y20-CD vs Y20-HR
Steel · Y20 temper comparison
Y20-CD and Y20-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, Y20: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Y20-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Y20-HR, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi). In exchange, Y20-HR is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 12% for Y20-CD, and Y20-CD is harder (180 HB vs 150 HB).
Y20-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Y20-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Y20-CD vs Y20-HR: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 450 MPa65.3 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 190 HV
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 1,505°C2,741 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 50 W/m·K28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.9 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V · Corrosion Resistance 9 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 50 L/kg6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
Y20-CD vs Y20-HR — frequently asked
Is Y20-CD stronger than Y20-HR?
Yes. Y20-CD has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Y20-HR — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) vs 500 MPa (72.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
CD is the default Y20 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, Y20-CD or Y20-HR?
Y20-CD, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 78/100 against 72/100 for Y20-HR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Y20-CD and Y20-HR 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.