Steel M36 · heat-treated state
Steel M36 Q&T
Properties of the Q&T condition, compared with the other M36 tempers.
Use where interrupted cuts, thin sections or shock loading would chip a 66 HRC edge.
What is M36 Q&T?
M36 Q&T is M36 heat treated to Q&T — use where interrupted cuts, thin sections or shock loading would chip a 66 HRC edge. M36 Q&T has a yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,250 MPa (326 ksi) — stronger than 100% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 217 GPa (31.5 Msi). M36 Q&T has a density of 8.19 g/cm³ (0.296 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Q&T is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 1,900 MPa (276 ksi), better than 100% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 570°C (1,058 °F), better than 96% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 10/100, worse than 100% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 1.5%, worse than 99% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 4.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 95% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 91% of steel grades
M36 Q&T properties
Typical room-temperature values for M36 Q&T — 11 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every M36 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
M36 Q&T has a density of 8.19 g/cm³ (0.296 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical14
M36 Q&T has a yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,250 MPa (326 ksi) — stronger than 100% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 217 GPa (31.5 Msi).
Thermal6
M36 Q&T is rated for continuous service to 570°C (1,058 °F). It conducts heat at 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11 µm/m·K (6.11 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
M36 Q&T has an electrical resistivity of 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), better than 83% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of M36 Q&T takes about 70 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 96% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
M36 Q&T's machinability is not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of steel grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other M36 tempers and conditions
M36 is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the M36 overview.
- AnnealedDefaultStandard mill-supplied condition: machine and rough-grind the tool blank before hardening.550 MPa yield · 248 HB
- Hardened & TemperedNormal working condition for cutting tools: maximum practical hot hardness and wear resistance.2,100 MPa yield · 66 HRC
- Q&TUse where interrupted cuts, thin sections or shock loading would chip a 66 HRC edge.1,900 MPa yield · 63 HRC
Working with M36 Q&T
Is M36 easy to machine?
Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, low speeds and carbide or coated tooling; hard-state work must be done by grinding (soft grade, friable Al2O3 or CBN wheels, plenty of coolant to avoid burn/cracks).
Can M36 be welded?
Essentially non-weldable for structure; edge repair only by preheated (500–550 °C) TIG or laser with matching HSS filler followed by immediate re-tempering.
Can M36 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1050–1150 °C with slow, controlled cooling and full anneal at 850–900 °C; no cold forming — hardening is 1200–1230 °C in vacuum/salt, quench, then triple temper 540–560 °C with a −70 °C or subzero step optional.
What surface finishes work on M36?
No native corrosion protection: use black oxide, steam temper, phosphate or PVD TiN/TiCN/TiAlN over a hardened, fine-ground surface; keep oiled in storage.
M36 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.8 – 0.9 | 0.85 |
| Mn | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Si | 0.2 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Cr | 3.75 – 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Mo | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| W | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| V | 1.75 – 2.25 | 2 |
| Cocobalt addition gives the red-hardness advantage over M2/M35 | 7.75 – 8.75 | 8.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
M36 Q&T — frequently asked
What is M36 Q&T used for?
M36 Q&T is typically used for motor laminations, distribution transformer cores, milling cutters and end mills, gear hobs and shaper cutters, twist drills and taps for tough alloys and form tools and broaches. In short: non-oriented electrical coil.
What is the yield strength of M36 Q&T?
M36 Q&T has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) and a tensile strength of 2,250 MPa (326 ksi) — stronger than 100% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is M36 Q&T easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of steel grades). Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, low speeds and carbide or coated tooling; hard-state work must be done by grinding (soft grade, friable Al2O3 or CBN wheels, plenty of coolant to avoid burn/cracks).
Can M36 Q&T be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Essentially non-weldable for structure; edge repair only by preheated (500–550 °C) TIG or laser with matching HSS filler followed by immediate re-tempering.
What surface finishes work on M36 Q&T?
No native corrosion protection: use black oxide, steam temper, phosphate or PVD TiN/TiCN/TiAlN over a hardened, fine-ground surface; keep oiled in storage.
Can M36 Q&T be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1050–1150 °C with slow, controlled cooling and full anneal at 850–900 °C; no cold forming — hardening is 1200–1230 °C in vacuum/salt, quench, then triple temper 540–560 °C with a −70 °C or subzero step optional.
What is the maximum service temperature of M36 Q&T?
M36 Q&T is rated for continuous use to about 570°C (1,058 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in M36 Q&T?
Yes — M36 Q&T is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A600 — Standard Specification for Tool Steel High Speed — ASTM International (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (tool steels) — ASM International (1990)
- Tool Steels, 5th ed. (Roberts, Krauss, Kennedy) — ASM International (1998)
- Cobalt high-speed steel bar datasheets (Erasteel / Böhler HSS grades) — Erasteel, voestalpine Böhler (2022)
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.