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Steel MS1700 · supply condition · default condition

Steel MS1700-CR

Properties of the CR condition, compared with the other MS1700 tempers.

The standard and essentially only commercial condition: thin cold-rolled strip/sheet (about 0.5–2.5 mm) delivered quenched and low-temperature tempered for 1700 MPa class strength, for roll-formed or lightly bent crash reinforcements.

Sheet metalStandard cost $$

What is MS1700-CR?

MS1700-CR is MS1700 supplied in the CR condition — the standard and essentially only commercial condition: thin cold-rolled strip/sheet (about 0.5–2.5 mm) delivered quenched and low-temperature tempered for 1700 MPa class strength, for roll-formed or lightly bent crash reinforcements. MS1700-CR has a yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,780 MPa (258 ksi) — stronger than 97% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). MS1700-CR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Advantages

  • High strength — 1,450 MPa (210 ksi), better than 97% of steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited ductility — 4%, worse than 98% of steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
  • Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 91% of steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 50 MPa·√m (45.5 ksi·√in), worse than 87% of steel grades

MS1700-CR properties

Typical room-temperature values for MS1700-CR — 13 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every MS1700 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.

Physical3

MS1700-CR has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,420°C2,588 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,500°C2,732 °F

Mechanical13

MS1700-CR has a yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,780 MPa (258 ksi) — stronger than 97% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus80 GPa11.6 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,780 MPa258 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)1,450 MPa210 ksi
Elongation at Break4%
Compressive Strength1,450 MPa210 ksi
Shear Strength1,050 MPa152 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)700 MPa102 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in
Hardness, Rockwell C50 HRC
Hardness, Vickers520 HV

Thermal6

MS1700-CR is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 32 W/m·K (18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 82% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.5 µm/m·K (6.94 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity32 W/m·K18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-40°C-40 °F

Electrical3

MS1700-CR conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended12/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryNo inherent corrosion resistance: rusts in humid air and must be phosphated/e-coated, painted or zinc-coated. High-strength martensite is susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and stress-corrosion cracking, so avoid acid pickling, aggressive cathodic plating and chloride-rich standing water on bent edges.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of MS1700-CR takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.3 kg of CO₂ — more than 55% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.3 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability7

MS1700-CR's machinability is poor (20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability not recommended (12/100).

MachinabilityPoor20/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)20%
WeldabilityGood55/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended12/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor30/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use zinc coating, phosphate + e-coat or paint instead

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated227 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated26.8 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated5,006 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated8.7 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated22

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.

Working with MS1700-CR

Is MS1700 easy to machine?

Treat as ~50 HRC tool steel: laser or die cutting is preferred over drilling/milling; use rigid setups, coated carbide or PCBN, low feeds, and expect rapid edge wear and high punching forces (large die clearance, sheared-edge cracking risk).

Can MS1700 be welded?

Resistance spot welding and laser welding are routine with reduced current/short times, but the HAZ tempers and softens, so keep heat input low, avoid multi-pass arc welding, and never rely on weld metal for full base-metal strength.

Can MS1700 be formed, bent or molded?

Roll forming or simple air bending only, with generous bend radii (roughly 4–6× thickness, transverse to rolling direction), high tonnage, springback compensation and deburred/laser-cut edges; not suitable for deep drawing.

What surface finishes work on MS1700?

Supplied bare and rust-prone: phosphate plus e-coat, powder paint, or zinc-rich primer; avoid acid pickling and electroplating that charge hydrogen into this strength level.

MS1700 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cgoverns as-quenched martensite hardness≤ 0.250.22
Si≤ 0.50.25
Mnhardenability≤ 21.7
P≤ 0.020.01
S≤ 0.010
Aldeoxidation0.02 – 0.10.04
Cr+Mohardenability additions, mill dependent≤ 10.3
Nb+Tigrain refinement / B protection≤ 0.150.04
B≤ 0.010
Febalance

MS1700-CR — frequently asked

What is MS1700-CR used for?

MS1700-CR is typically used for bumper beams, door intrusion beams, rocker and sill reinforcements, B-pillar reinforcements, seat cross-members and roll-formed side-impact tubes. In short: premium martensitic sheet.

What is the yield strength of MS1700-CR?

MS1700-CR has a typical yield strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,780 MPa (258 ksi) — stronger than 97% of steel grades.

Is MS1700-CR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (20/100, worse than 97% of steel grades). Treat as ~50 HRC tool steel: laser or die cutting is preferred over drilling/milling; use rigid setups, coated carbide or PCBN, low feeds, and expect rapid edge wear and high punching forces (large die clearance, sheared-edge cracking risk).

Can MS1700-CR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Resistance spot welding and laser welding are routine with reduced current/short times, but the HAZ tempers and softens, so keep heat input low, avoid multi-pass arc welding, and never rely on weld metal for full base-metal strength.

What surface finishes work on MS1700-CR?

Supplied bare and rust-prone: phosphate plus e-coat, powder paint, or zinc-rich primer; avoid acid pickling and electroplating that charge hydrogen into this strength level.

Can MS1700-CR be formed, bent or molded?

Roll forming or simple air bending only, with generous bend radii (roughly 4–6× thickness, transverse to rolling direction), high tonnage, springback compensation and deburred/laser-cut edges; not suitable for deep drawing.

What is the maximum service temperature of MS1700-CR?

MS1700-CR is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Can FabDigit make parts in MS1700-CR?

Yes — MS1700-CR is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.

Sources

  1. VDA 239-100 Sheet Steel for Cold Forming (CR1500Y1700T-MS)VDA (2016)
  2. Docol 1700M cold-rolled martensitic steel data sheetSSAB (2023)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance AlloysASM International (1990)
  4. Advanced High-Strength Steels Application GuidelinesWorldAutoSteel (2021)

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.