Steel A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE
Hardness band
ASTM A352 Grade LC2-1 · UNS J42215
QT-NACE = q&T ≤22 HRC
Higher tempering temperature to cap hardness at 22 HRC (237 HB) for wet H2S service while still meeting the LC2-1 minima.
Values for the QT-NACE condition
Other A352 Grade LC2-1 tempers and conditions
A352 Grade LC2-1 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at A352 Grade LC2-1.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Soft intermediate state used by foundries/machine shops before final quench and temper; not a code-acceptable delivery condition for LC2-1. | 420 | 620 | 24 | 10 HRC | 6.2 % IACS |
QT-NACEThis page Q&T ≤22 HRC | Higher tempering temperature to cap hardness at 22 HRC (237 HB) for wet H2S service while still meeting the LC2-1 minima. | 600 | 760 | 22 | 20 HRC | 5.7 % IACS |
Q&T + post-weld stress relief | Condition of weld-repaired or fabricated castings given a sub-critical PWHT below the original tempering temperature; slight softening, best toughness stability. | 610 | 770 | 21 | 21 HRC | 5.7 % IACS |
QTDefault Quenched and tempered | Standard supply condition for LC2-1 pressure castings; meets 725 MPa UTS / 550 MPa YS and −73 °C Charpy requirements. | 640 | 800 | 20 | 22 HRC | — |
What is A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE?
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE is A352 Grade LC2-1 heat treated to QT-NACE — higher tempering temperature to cap hardness at 22 HRC (237 HB) for wet H2S service while still meeting the LC2-1 minima. A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). QT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT-NACE is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 120 MPa·√m (109.2 ksi·√in), better than 81% of steel grades
- High strength — 600 MPa (87 ksi), better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 17/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE properties
Typical room-temperature values for A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are A352 Grade LC2-1 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical15
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 38 W/m·K (22 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 69% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has an electrical resistivity of 3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is poor (20/100), better than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades); weldability fair (48/100); formability poor (17/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE
Is A352 Grade LC2-1 easy to machine?
Machine in the annealed state where possible; in Q&T (about 235 HB) use rigid setups, carbide inserts at 90–140 m/min and expect abrasive cast skin on the first cut.
Can A352 Grade LC2-1 be welded?
Weldable with matching low-alloy or 2.5Ni/Ni-Cr-Mo consumables and low-hydrogen practice: preheat 150–200 °C, interpass control, and PWHT below the tempering temperature to restore −73 °C toughness.
Can A352 Grade LC2-1 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering; the alloy is quench-sensitive so wall transitions and section thickness must suit liquid quenching, and full re-heat treatment follows any major weld repair.
What surface finishes work on A352 Grade LC2-1?
No anodizing; shot blast then epoxy/zinc-rich paint, electroless nickel or PTFE coating for corrosion protection; sealing faces are often weld-overlaid with stainless or Stellite.
A352 Grade LC2-1 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cladle analysis | ≤ 0.22 | 0.18 |
| Mn | 0.55 – 0.75 | 0.65 |
| Si | ≤ 0.6 | 0.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Ni | 2.5 – 3.5 | 3 |
| Cr | 1.35 – 1.85 | 1.6 |
| Mo | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Fe | balance | — |
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE — frequently asked
What is A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE used for?
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE is typically used for cryogenic valve bodies, high-strength low-temperature fittings, wellhead and subsea valve castings for sour service, pressure-containing pump casings, high-pressure cold-service flanges and bonnets and compressor and gas-processing housings. In short: highest-strength A352 Ni casting; NACE 22 HRC option; stronger LC2 substitute.
What is the yield strength of A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE?
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades). Machine in the annealed state where possible; in Q&T (about 235 HB) use rigid setups, carbide inserts at 90–140 m/min and expect abrasive cast skin on the first cut.
Can A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (48/100). Weldable with matching low-alloy or 2.5Ni/Ni-Cr-Mo consumables and low-hydrogen practice: preheat 150–200 °C, interpass control, and PWHT below the tempering temperature to restore −73 °C toughness.
What surface finishes work on A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE?
No anodizing; shot blast then epoxy/zinc-rich paint, electroless nickel or PTFE coating for corrosion protection; sealing faces are often weld-overlaid with stainless or Stellite.
Can A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering; the alloy is quench-sensitive so wall transitions and section thickness must suit liquid quenching, and full re-heat treatment follows any major weld repair.
What is the maximum service temperature of A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE?
A352 Grade LC2-1 QT-NACE is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between A352 Grade LC2-1-QT and A352 Grade LC2-1-ANN?
QT is the default condition — standard supply condition for LC2-1 pressure castings; meets 725 MPa UTS / 550 MPa YS and −73 °C Charpy requirements. ANN: soft intermediate state used by foundries/machine shops before final quench and temper; not a code-acceptable delivery condition for LC2-1. Yield strength is 640 MPa in QT versus 420 MPa in ANN.
Sources
- ASTM A352/A352M — Steel Castings, Ferritic and Martensitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suitable for Low-Temperature Service — ASTM International (2023)
- ASME B16.34 — Valves: Flanged, Threaded and Welding End — ASME (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — Steel Founders' Society of America / ASM (1995)
- ANSI/NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 — Materials for use in H2S-containing environments — NACE/ISO (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.