Nickel Alloy Alloy 48 1/2H vs Alloy 48 1/4H
Nickel Alloy · Alloy 48 temper comparison
Alloy 48 1/2H and Alloy 48 1/4H are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Alloy 48: 1/2H (half hard) versus 1/4H (quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Alloy 48 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for Alloy 48 1/4H, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, Alloy 48 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for Alloy 48 1/2H, and Alloy 48 1/2H is harder (204 HB vs 171 HB). Alloy 48 1/4H runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous).
Alloy 48 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
Alloy 48 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Alloy 48 1/2H vs Alloy 48 1/4H: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 152 GPa22 Msi · Shear Modulus 58 GPa8.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 127 GPa18.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.25 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 13.5 W/m·K7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 9.2 µm/m·K5.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3.7 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.32 V · Corrosion Resistance 32 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 72 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 92 MJ/kg39,553 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Alloy 48 1/2H vs Alloy 48 1/4H — frequently asked
Is Alloy 48 1/2H stronger than Alloy 48 1/4H?
Yes. Alloy 48 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for Alloy 48 1/4H — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 720 MPa (104 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or 1/4H?
MA is the default Alloy 48 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H nor 1/4H). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose Alloy 48 1/2H over Alloy 48 1/4H?
Pick Alloy 48 1/2H when strength drives the design. Pick Alloy 48 1/4H when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 48 1/2H and Alloy 48 1/4H side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.