Steel Q235C-CR (Cold rolled)
Supply condition
GB Q235C · ASTM A36
Thin-gauge sheet with smooth surface for pressed parts and enclosures; toughness class is nominal only.
Values for the CR condition
Other Q235C tempers and conditions
Q235C is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Q235C.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed | Used for maximum ductility before severe cold forming or deep drawing of blanks. | 235 | 390 | 36 | 110 HB | 11 % IACS |
HRDefault Hot rolled | Standard mill condition for plate, sections and coil; pick for general welded structures. | 265 | 430 | 30 | 125 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
Normalized | Choose for thick plate or where uniform, best low-temperature toughness and reliable 0 °C impact values are required. | 270 | 430 | 33 | 120 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
CRThis page Cold rolled | Thin-gauge sheet with smooth surface for pressed parts and enclosures; toughness class is nominal only. | 320 | 450 | 22 | 140 HB | 10.4 % IACS |
Cold drawn | Pick for bright, close-tolerance bar and shafting where higher yield and better surface finish are needed. | 420 | 520 | 14 | 160 HB | 10.2 % IACS |
What is Q235C-CR?
Q235C-CR is Q235C supplied in the CR condition — thin-gauge sheet with smooth surface for pressed parts and enclosures; toughness class is nominal only. Q235C-CR has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) — weaker than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 207 GPa (30 Msi). Q235C-CR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 75/100, better than 90% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.4 % IACS, better than 87% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Low strength — 320 MPa (46.4 ksi), worse than 81% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 78% of steel grades
Q235C-CR properties
Typical room-temperature values for Q235C-CR; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Q235C reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
Q235C-CR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F).
Mechanical16
Q235C-CR has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) — weaker than 81% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 207 GPa (30 Msi).
Thermal6
Q235C-CR is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Q235C-CR conducts electricity at 10.4 % IACS, better than 87% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Q235C-CR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
Q235C-CR's machinability is good (60/100, better than 83% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (75/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Q235C-CR
Is Q235C easy to machine?
Free machining at ~70 % of 1212; gummy in the annealed state, so use positive rake and coolant, or specify cold-drawn bar for better chip break and finish.
Can Q235C be welded?
Excellent — CEV ≈ 0.35, weld with E4303/E5015 or ER70S-6 GMAW; no preheat under ~30 mm, 100–150 °C preheat for heavy or restrained joints.
Can Q235C be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends to d = a (≤60 mm thickness) per GB/T 700; hot forms readily at 900–1200 °C, normalize afterwards for thick sections.
What surface finishes work on Q235C?
No anodizing; shot blast then paint, hot-dip galvanize, zinc-rich primer or phosphate + oil — bare surfaces rust within days in humid air.
Q235C 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CGB/T 700-2006, grade C | ≤ 0.17 | 0.15 |
| Si | ≤ 0.35 | 0.22 |
| Mntypically 0.35–0.80 in practice | ≤ 1.4 | 0.55 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Fefully killed (Z) steel | balance | — |
Q235C-CR — frequently asked
What is Q235C-CR used for?
Q235C-CR is typically used for structural steel, welded frames, bridges and machine bases. In short: low-cost weldable structural steel; excellent cold formability; 0 °C impact tested.
What is the yield strength of Q235C-CR?
Q235C-CR has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) — weaker than 81% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is Q235C-CR easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 83% of steel grades). Free machining at ~70 % of 1212; gummy in the annealed state, so use positive rake and coolant, or specify cold-drawn bar for better chip break and finish.
Can Q235C-CR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent — CEV ≈ 0.35, weld with E4303/E5015 or ER70S-6 GMAW; no preheat under ~30 mm, 100–150 °C preheat for heavy or restrained joints.
What surface finishes work on Q235C-CR?
No anodizing; shot blast then paint, hot-dip galvanize, zinc-rich primer or phosphate + oil — bare surfaces rust within days in humid air.
Can Q235C-CR be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bends to d = a (≤60 mm thickness) per GB/T 700; hot forms readily at 900–1200 °C, normalize afterwards for thick sections.
What is the maximum service temperature of Q235C-CR?
Q235C-CR is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between Q235C-HR and Q235C-CD?
HR is the default condition — standard mill condition for plate, sections and coil; pick for general welded structures. CD: pick for bright, close-tolerance bar and shafting where higher yield and better surface finish are needed. Yield strength is 265 MPa in HR versus 420 MPa in CD.
Sources
- GB/T 700-2006 Carbon structural steels (2006)
- ASTM A36/A36M Structural Steel — ASTM International (2019)
- GB 50017 Standard for design of steel structures — MOHURD (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Machinery's Handbook, 31st ed. — 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.