Stainless Steel 1.4003-HR vs 1.4003-QT
Stainless Steel · 1.4003 temper comparison
1.4003-HR and 1.4003-QT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4003: HR (hot rolled) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4003-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 1.4003-HR, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, 1.4003-HR is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 16% for 1.4003-QT, and 1.4003-QT is harder (240 HB vs 180 HB). 1.4003-HR runs hotter in service (550°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4003-HR welds better (very good vs good).
1.4003-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4003-QTChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4003-HR vs 1.4003-QT: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °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 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.4 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °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) -0.3 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: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 38 MJ/kg16,337 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
1.4003-HR vs 1.4003-QT — frequently asked
Is 1.4003-QT stronger than 1.4003-HR?
Yes. 1.4003-QT has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for 1.4003-HR — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or QT?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 1.4003-HR or 1.4003-QT?
1.4003-HR, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 45/100 for 1.4003-QT; for welding the order is 1.4003-HR first (very good, 75/100) then 1.4003-QT (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4003-HR and 1.4003-QT 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.