In the steel processing industry, bande d'acier recuit et quenched & tempered (Q&T) steel strip are two of the most essential material grades. Although they are produced from similar high-carbon or alloy steels, the manufacturing process, mechanical properties, and application fields are completely different. Understanding these differences helps manufacturers, sourcing managers, and end users select the right material for their tools, ressorts, blades, and industrial components.
In this article, we compare annealed steel strip and quenched & tempered steel strip from process, hardness, strength, et applications, helping you make the correct decision for your production needs.
1. What Is Annealed Steel Strip?
Annealed steel strip is steel that has undergone a softening heat treatment—known as recuit—to improve its ductility, workability, and uniformity. During annealing, the steel is heated to a controlled temperature and then slowly cooled, restructuring the metal’s internal grain for improved plasticity.
Key Features of Annealed Steel Strip
- Soft hardness (typically 150–220 HV depending on grade)
- Excellent formability for stamping, punching, bending, and deep drawing
- Good surface quality and uniform mechanical properties
- Easy to do secondary heat treatment (such as quenching and tempering later)
Common Applications
Annealed steel strip is widely used in industries requiring intensive shaping before hardening:
- Springs (after secondary heat treatment)
- Hardware parts
- Shoe materials
- Automotive components
- Saw blade bodies
- Knife blanks
- Electronic components
For manufacturers who need to cut, form, or machine the steel strip first, annealed steel is the most practical option.
2. What Is Quenched & Tempered Steel Strip?
Quenched & tempered steel strip is steel that has undergone two essential heat treatments:
- Quenching – heating to high temperature and rapidly cooling to achieve high hardness
- Tempering – reheating at a lower temperature to adjust toughness and reduce brittleness
This results in a material that is very hard, strong, and wear-resistant, perfect for cutting tools, automotive parts, saw blades, and high-performance springs.
Key Features of Q&T Steel Strip
- High hardness (often 40–52 HRC depending on steel grade)
- High tensile strength and excellent fatigue resistance
- Superior wear resistance for demanding environments
- Ready-for-use: no need for secondary heat treatment
Common Applications
Quenched & tempered strip is ideal for final-performance components:
- Band saw blades
- Hacksaw and reciprocating saw blades
- Industrial knives
- Scraper blades
- Springs with high performance requirements
- Automotive clutch plates and shims
- Cutting tools
Manufacturers choose Q&T steel when they need finished, hardened material ready to be processed into tools or components.
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Category | Annealed Steel Strip | Quenched & Tempered Steel Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Low (Soft) | High (Hard) |
| Tensile Strength | Medium | Very High |
| Workability | Excellent (easy to bend/form) | Poor (brittle before machining) |
| Can I shape or punch it? | Yes | Very difficult |
| Heat Treatment | Fully annealed | Quenched + tempered |
| Best For | Manufacturing processes before hardening | Finished tools and high-strength parts |
If you need to shape first, harden later, choose annealed.
If you need performance and strength immediately, choose Q&T.
4. Which One Should You Choose?
Your selection depends on your production workflow:
✔ Choose Annealed Steel Strip if:
- You need soft steel for bending, punching, welding, stamping
- Your final product requires heat treatment after forming
- You produce springs, hardware parts, or stamped components
✔ Choose Quenched & Tempered Steel Strip if:
- You need high hardness and strength directly from the supplier
- You manufacture blades, saws, or cutting tools
- You want consistent performance and do not plan additional heat treatment
5. Jiaxiao MTC – Your Reliable Supplier for Both Annealed and Q&T Steel Strip
At Jiaxiao MTC (Acier inoxydable), we supply a full range of high-carbon steel, acier allié, and stainless steel strips in both annealed et quenched & tempered conditions.
Our materials serve:
- Springs
- Band saw blades
- Knives and cutting tools
- Automotive precision parts
- Woodworking and construction tools
If you need professional advice on selecting the correct steel strip type, our technical team will assist you based on hardness, tensile strength, and application requirements.
