Stainless Steel 1.4590-A vs 1.4590 CW-1/4H
Stainless Steel · 1.4590 temper comparison
1.4590-A and 1.4590 CW-1/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4590: A (solution annealed) versus CW-1/4H (CW 1/4-Hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4590 CW-1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for 1.4590-A, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, 1.4590-A is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 15% for 1.4590 CW-1/4H, and 1.4590 CW-1/4H is harder (195 HB vs 155 HB). 1.4590-A runs hotter in service (900°C vs 600°C continuous).
1.4590-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4590 CW-1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4590-A vs 1.4590 CW-1/4H: 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 220 GPa31.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 85 GPa12.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 52 MJ/kg22,356 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 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.
1.4590-A vs 1.4590 CW-1/4H — frequently asked
Is 1.4590 CW-1/4H stronger than 1.4590-A?
Yes. 1.4590 CW-1/4H has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for 1.4590-A — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CW-1/4H?
A is the default 1.4590 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 is easier to machine, 1.4590-A or 1.4590 CW-1/4H?
1.4590 CW-1/4H. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 1.4590-A; for welding the order is 1.4590-A first (very good, 80/100) then 1.4590 CW-1/4H (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4590-A and 1.4590 CW-1/4H 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.