Stainless Steel 1.3960-AC vs 1.3960-ST
Stainless Steel · 1.3960 temper comparison
1.3960-AC and 1.3960-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.3960: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.3960-AC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1.3960-ST, about 5% more. In exchange, 1.3960-ST is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 28% for 1.3960-AC, and 1.3960-AC is harder (170 HB vs 155 HB). 1.3960-ST runs hotter in service (700°C vs 550°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.3960-ST welds better (very good vs good).
1.3960-ACChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.3960-STChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.3960-AC vs 1.3960-ST: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel 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 stainless steel 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.95 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,445°C2,633 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.2 µm/m·K9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V
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 68 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
1.3960-AC vs 1.3960-ST — frequently asked
Is 1.3960-AC stronger than 1.3960-ST?
Yes. 1.3960-AC has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1.3960-ST — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or ST?
ST is the default 1.3960 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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.
Which is easier to machine, 1.3960-AC or 1.3960-ST?
1.3960-ST. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (33/100) for 1.3960-AC; for welding the order is 1.3960-ST first (very good, 80/100) then 1.3960-AC (good, 62/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.3960-AC and 1.3960-ST 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.