Stainless Steel 1.4848 vs 316C12
Stainless Steel · grade comparison
Stainless Steel 1.4848 and 316C12 are both stainless steel grades. 1.4848 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 316C12, about 8% more. In exchange, 316C12 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 14% for 1.4848, and 1.4848 is harder (190 HB vs 155 HB). 1.4848 runs hotter in service (1,100°C vs 550°C continuous) and 316C12 conducts electricity better (2.2 % IACS vs 1.9 % IACS). On the shop floor, 316C12 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 316C12 welds better (very good vs fair).
1.4848Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
316C12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1.4848 vs 316C12: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 530 MPa76.9 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 200 MPa29 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V
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)
Same in both: Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 68 kN·m/kg
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 | 1.4848 | 316C12 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
1.4848 vs 316C12 — frequently asked
Is 1.4848 stronger than 316C12?
Yes. 1.4848 has a typical yield strength of 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 316C12 — about 8% more. Tensile strength is 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) vs 530 MPa (76.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1.4848 or 316C12?
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, 1.4848 or 316C12?
316C12. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for 1.4848; for welding the order is 316C12 first (very good, 72/100) then 1.4848 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4848 and 316C12 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.