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Stainless Steel 1.4372 1/4H vs 1.4372-FH

Stainless Steel · 1.4372 temper comparison

1.4372 1/4H and 1.4372-FH are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4372: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus FH (full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4372-FH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for 1.4372 1/4H, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 1,320 MPa (191 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 1.4372 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 5% for 1.4372-FH, and 1.4372-FH is harder (390 HB vs 255 HB). On the shop floor, 1.4372 1/4H welds better (good vs fair).

1.4372 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

1.4372-FHChoose it when strength drives the design.

1.4372 1/4H vs 1.4372-FH: properties

1.4372 1/4H1.4372-FH

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

197 GPa28.6 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,320 MPa191 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

570 MPa82.7 ksi
1,030 MPa149 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
5%

Reduction in Area

48%
18%

Shear Strength

540 MPa78.3 ksi
790 MPa115 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

400 MPa58 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

80 J59 ft·lbf
22 J16.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

255 HB
390 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

100 HRB
92 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

270 HV
410 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 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.

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.5 % IACS
2.4 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in
7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

50 / 100
48 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

38 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
35%

Weldability

62 / 100
45 / 100

Formability (cold)

55 / 100
18 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 78 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 45 MJ/kg19,347 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%

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 scale1.4372

1.4372 1/4H vs 1.4372-FH — frequently asked

Is 1.4372-FH stronger than 1.4372 1/4H?

Yes. 1.4372-FH has a typical yield strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for 1.4372 1/4H — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 1,320 MPa (191 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or FH?

Annealed is the default 1.4372 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor FH). 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, 1.4372 1/4H or 1.4372-FH?

1.4372 1/4H. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (30/100) for 1.4372-FH; for welding the order is 1.4372 1/4H first (good, 62/100) then 1.4372-FH (fair, 45/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4372 1/4H and 1.4372-FH 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.