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Stainless Steel 1.3956 vs CD4MCuN

Stainless Steel · grade comparison

Stainless Steel 1.3956 and CD4MCuN are both stainless steel grades. CD4MCuN is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 1.3956, about 62% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, 1.3956 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 25% for CD4MCuN, and CD4MCuN is harder (250 HB vs 195 HB). 1.3956 runs hotter in service (550°C vs 300°C continuous) and CD4MCuN conducts heat better (16 W/m·K vs 14 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 1.3956 welds better (very good vs good).

1.3956Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

CD4MCuNChoose it when strength drives the design.

1.3956 vs CD4MCuN: properties

1.3956CD4MCuN

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

196 GPa28.4 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Shear Modulus

76 GPa11 Msi
77 GPa11.2 Msi

Bulk Modulus

160 GPa23.2 Msi
145 GPa21 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.29
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

660 MPa95.7 ksi
730 MPa106 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

35%
25%

Reduction in Area

45%
40%

Compressive Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Shear Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

190 MPa·√m173 ksi·√in
90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

120 J88.5 ft·lbf
70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

195 HB
250 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

92 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

205 HV
262 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
24 HRC

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,400°C2,552 °F
1,410°C2,570 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F
12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

550°C1,022 °F
300°C572 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-50°C-58 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2 % IACS
2.2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.5 µΩ·in
8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.1 V
-0.15 V

Corrosion Resistance

68 / 100
78 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

28 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
25%

Weldability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
65 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
65 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

4.5 kg CO₂/kg
4.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

190 L/kg22.8 gal/lb
120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

65%
70%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

84 kN·m/kg
94 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25 MN·m/kg
25.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

295 kJ/m³
756 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

3.6 mm²/s
4.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

3
5

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCD4MCuN1.3956

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability1.3956CD4MCuN
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 7 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Pickling, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.

1.3956 vs CD4MCuN — frequently asked

Is CD4MCuN stronger than 1.3956?

Yes. CD4MCuN has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 1.3956 — about 62% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1.3956 or CD4MCuN?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which welds better, 1.3956 or CD4MCuN?

1.3956. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for CD4MCuN.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.3956 and CD4MCuN 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.