Stainless Steel 1.4104 +A vs 1.4104 +C550
Stainless Steel · 1.4104 temper comparison
1.4104 +A and 1.4104 +C550 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4104: +A (annealed) versus +C550 (cold drawn / cold worked, Rm ≥ 550 MPa). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4104 +C550 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 1.4104 +A, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, 1.4104 +A is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 12% for 1.4104 +C550, and 1.4104 +C550 is harder (215 HB vs 185 HB). 1.4104 +A runs hotter in service (550°C vs 400°C continuous).
1.4104 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4104 +C550Choose it when strength drives the design.
1.4104 +A vs 1.4104 +C550: 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
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 215 GPa31.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 83 GPa12 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10 µm/m·K5.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.35 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 50 MJ/kg21,496 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 65%
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.
1.4104 +A vs 1.4104 +C550 — frequently asked
Is 1.4104 +C550 stronger than 1.4104 +A?
Yes. 1.4104 +C550 has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 1.4104 +A — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +C550?
+A is the default 1.4104 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.
When should I choose 1.4104 +A over 1.4104 +C550?
Pick 1.4104 +A when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 1.4104 +C550 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4104 +A and 1.4104 +C550 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.