Stainless Steel 1.4518 vs CD4MCuN
Stainless Steel · grade comparison
Stainless Steel 1.4518 and CD4MCuN are both stainless steel grades. CD4MCuN is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 1.4518, about 112% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi). In exchange, 1.4518 is the more ductile: elongation 48% versus 25% for CD4MCuN, and CD4MCuN is harder (250 HB vs 150 HB). 1.4518 runs hotter in service (550°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4518 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 1.4518 welds better (excellent vs good).
1.4518Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CD4MCuNChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4518 vs CD4MCuN: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Bulk Modulus
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
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 1.4518 | CD4MCuN |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 7 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Pickling, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
1.4518 vs CD4MCuN — frequently asked
Is CD4MCuN stronger than 1.4518?
Yes. CD4MCuN has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 1.4518 — about 112% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1.4518 or CD4MCuN?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 1.4518 or CD4MCuN?
1.4518. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for CD4MCuN; for welding the order is 1.4518 first (excellent, 88/100) then CD4MCuN (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4518 and CD4MCuN 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.