Steel C22 · heat-treated state
Steel C22-QT
Properties of the QT condition, compared with the other C22 tempers.
Use for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully.
What is C22-QT?
C22-QT is C22 heat treated to QT — use for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully. C22-QT has a yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 69% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). C22-QT has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F). Normalized is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 92% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades
C22-QT properties
Typical room-temperature values for C22-QT — 11 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every C22 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
C22-QT has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).
Mechanical16
C22-QT has a yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 69% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C22-QT is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C22-QT conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C22-QT takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
C22-QT's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (80/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other C22 tempers and conditions
C22 is also supplied in 6 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the C22 overview.
- NormalizedDefaultStandard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts.285 MPa yield · 140 HB
- ColdDrawnChoose for close tolerance, bright surface bar and better chip control on automatic machines; ductility is reduced.460 MPa yield · 175 HB
- QTUse for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully.375 MPa yield · 175 HB
- CarburizedPick when a wear-resistant hard case over a tough low-carbon core is needed (bushings, small gears, pins); normally ordered as C22E.340 MPa yield · 58 HRC
- HotRolledCheapest as-rolled bar and plate for non-critical structures and weldments where scale and looser tolerances are acceptable.265 MPa yield · 135 HB
- AnnealedPick for maximum cold formability, deep drawing or before heavy machining/cold heading.235 MPa yield · 125 HB
Working with C22-QT
Is C22 easy to machine?
Machines easily but is gummy in the annealed state — run normalized or cold-drawn stock, use positive-rake tools, high speed and good coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can C22 be welded?
Excellent weldability by MMA/MIG/TIG/spot with ER70S-type filler; CEV ≈ 0.35 so no preheat is needed below ~30 mm section.
Can C22 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bending, deep drawing, cold heading and hot forging (1100–1250 °C) all straightforward; anneal between heavy draws.
What surface finishes work on C22?
No anodizing; protect by zinc/nickel plating, phosphate + oil, blackening or paint — bare surfaces rust within hours in humid air.
C22 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 10083-2 | 0.17 – 0.24 | 0.22 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.4 – 0.7 | 0.55 |
| PC22E ≤0.030 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| SC22E ≤0.035; C22R 0.020–0.040 | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Moresidual; Cr+Mo+Ni ≤ 0.63 | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Fe | balance | — |
C22-QT — frequently asked
What is C22-QT used for?
C22-QT is typically used for general fabrication, brackets and welded plate. In short: european medium-carbon bar.
What is the yield strength of C22-QT?
C22-QT has a typical yield strength of 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 69% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is C22-QT easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Machines easily but is gummy in the annealed state — run normalized or cold-drawn stock, use positive-rake tools, high speed and good coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can C22-QT be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability by MMA/MIG/TIG/spot with ER70S-type filler; CEV ≈ 0.35 so no preheat is needed below ~30 mm section.
What surface finishes work on C22-QT?
No anodizing; protect by zinc/nickel plating, phosphate + oil, blackening or paint — bare surfaces rust within hours in humid air.
Can C22-QT be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bending, deep drawing, cold heading and hot forging (1100–1250 °C) all straightforward; anneal between heavy draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of C22-QT?
C22-QT 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 C22 Normalized and C22-QT?
Normalized is the default condition — standard supply condition: uniform fine grain, balanced strength/toughness for general machined and welded parts. QT: use for small shafts, pins and bolts needing higher yield with good toughness; only thin sections respond fully. Yield strength is 285 MPa in Normalized versus 375 MPa in QT.
Can FabDigit make parts in C22-QT?
Yes — C22-QT is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10083-2 Steels for quenching and tempering — Non-alloy steels — CEN (2006)
- EN 10084 Case hardening steels (C22E) — CEN (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Machinery's Handbook, machinability ratings — Industrial Press (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.