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Stainless Steel 1.3960 vs CD4MCuN

Stainless Steel · grade comparison

Stainless Steel 1.3960 and CD4MCuN are both stainless steel grades. CD4MCuN is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1.3960, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). In exchange, 1.3960 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 25% for CD4MCuN, and CD4MCuN is harder (250 HB vs 155 HB). 1.3960 runs hotter in service (700°C vs 300°C continuous) and CD4MCuN conducts heat better (16 W/m·K vs 14 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 1.3960 welds better (very good vs good).

1.3960Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

CD4MCuNChoose it when strength drives the design.

1.3960 vs CD4MCuN: properties

1.3960CD4MCuN

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

195 GPa28.3 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.29
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

550 MPa79.8 ksi
730 MPa106 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

275 MPa39.9 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

45%
25%

Reduction in Area

55%
40%

Compressive Strength

275 MPa39.9 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

180 MPa·√m164 ksi·√in
90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

110 J81.1 ft·lbf
70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

155 HB
250 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

80 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

163 HV
262 HV

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
24 HRC

Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.95 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,385°C2,525 °F
1,410°C2,570 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,445°C2,633 °F
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)

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

700°C1,292 °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 Resistivity

7.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.1 µΩ·in
8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.2 % IACS

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.08 V
-0.15 V

Corrosion Resistance

74 / 100
78 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

38 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

40%
25%

Weldability

80 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

68 / 100
65 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

50 / 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)

5.2 kg CO₂/kg
4.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

75%
70%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

69 kN·m/kg
94 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

24.5 MN·m/kg
25.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

194 kJ/m³
756 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

3.5 mm²/s
4.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

2
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 scaleCD4MCuN1.3960

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability1.3960CD4MCuN
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.

1.3960 vs CD4MCuN — frequently asked

Is CD4MCuN stronger than 1.3960?

Yes. CD4MCuN has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for 1.3960 — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 1.3960 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 is easier to machine, 1.3960 or CD4MCuN?

1.3960. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (30/100) for CD4MCuN; for welding the order is 1.3960 first (very good, 80/100) then CD4MCuN (good, 55/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.3960 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.