Stainless Steel 1.4308-AC vs 1.4308-ST
Stainless Steel · 1.4308 temper comparison
1.4308-AC and 1.4308-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4308: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 260 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus solution annealed). 1.4308-ST is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 32% for 1.4308-AC, and 1.4308-AC is harder (160 HB vs 140 HB). 1.4308-ST runs hotter in service (760°C vs 600°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4308-ST welds better (excellent vs very good).
1.4308-STChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4308-AC vs 1.4308-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.
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 195 GPa28.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °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) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 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 78 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 60 MJ/kg25,795 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
1.4308-AC vs 1.4308-ST — frequently asked
What is the difference between 1.4308-AC and 1.4308-ST?
1.4308-AC and 1.4308-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4308: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 260 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus solution annealed).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or ST?
ST is the default 1.4308 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 welds better, 1.4308-AC or 1.4308-ST?
1.4308-ST. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (70/100) for 1.4308-AC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4308-AC and 1.4308-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.