FabDigitFabDigit

Steel ZG55SiMnMo N+T vs ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC

Steel · ZG55SiMnMo temper comparison

ZG55SiMnMo N+T and ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC are two conditions of the same steel grade, ZG55SiMnMo: N+T (normalized and tempered) versus QT40-45HRC. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) for ZG55SiMnMo N+T, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, ZG55SiMnMo N+T is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 7% for ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC, and ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC is harder (400 HB vs 300 HB). ZG55SiMnMo N+T runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZG55SiMnMo N+T machines more easily (32 vs 20 out of 100).

ZG55SiMnMo N+TChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRCChoose it when strength drives the design.

ZG55SiMnMo N+T vs ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC: properties

ZG55SiMnMo N+TZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

950 MPa138 ksi
1,400 MPa203 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

650 MPa94.3 ksi
1,150 MPa167 ksi

Elongation at Break

10%
7%

Reduction in Area

22%
20%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

400 MPa58 ksi
580 MPa84.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

300 HB
400 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

31 HRC
42 HRC

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 1,700 MPa247 ksi · Shear Strength 960 MPa139 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 28 J20.7 ft·lbf · Hardness, Vickers 480 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °F

Thermal

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
350°C662 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 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 6.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 12 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

32 / 100
20 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

35%
20%

Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 26 MJ/kg11,178 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%

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 scaleZG55SiMnMo

ZG55SiMnMo N+T vs ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC — frequently asked

Is ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC stronger than ZG55SiMnMo N+T?

Yes. ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC has a typical yield strength of 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) against 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) for ZG55SiMnMo N+T — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, N+T or QT40-45HRC?

QT45-50HRC is the default ZG55SiMnMo condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither N+T nor QT40-45HRC). 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, ZG55SiMnMo N+T or ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC?

ZG55SiMnMo N+T, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 20/100 for ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZG55SiMnMo N+T and ZG55SiMnMo QT40-45HRC 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.