Stainless Steel 1.4501-CD vs 1.4501-F55
Stainless Steel · 1.4501 temper comparison
1.4501-CD and 1.4501-F55 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4501: CD (cold drawn) versus F55 (solution annealed forging). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4501-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 1.4501-F55, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi). In exchange, 1.4501-F55 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for 1.4501-CD, and 1.4501-CD is harder (310 HB vs 265 HB).
1.4501-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4501-F55Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1.4501-CD vs 1.4501-F55: 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, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 190 GPa27.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 73 GPa10.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 158 GPa22.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.84 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,310°C2,390 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,390°C2,534 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 14.2 W/m·K8.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 482 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.8 µm/m·K7.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 280°C536 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.5 µΩ·in
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 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 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.
1.4501-CD vs 1.4501-F55 — frequently asked
Is 1.4501-CD stronger than 1.4501-F55?
Yes. 1.4501-CD has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 1.4501-F55 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or F55?
SA is the default 1.4501 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor F55). 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 1.4501-CD over 1.4501-F55?
Pick 1.4501-CD when strength drives the design. Pick 1.4501-F55 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4501-CD and 1.4501-F55 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.