Stainless Steel 1.4901-A vs 1.4901 Q+T
Stainless Steel · 1.4901 temper comparison
1.4901-A and 1.4901 Q+T are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4901: A (solution annealed) versus Q+T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4901 Q+T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 1.4901-A, about 49% more; tensile strength follows at 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi). In exchange, 1.4901-A is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 20% for 1.4901 Q+T, and 1.4901 Q+T is harder (230 HB vs 175 HB). 1.4901 Q+T runs hotter in service (620°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4901-A machines more easily (52 vs 38 out of 100).
1.4901-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1.4901 Q+TChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
1.4901-A vs 1.4901 Q+T: 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 218 GPa31.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 170 GPa24.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.78 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,500°C2,732 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.5 V · Corrosion Resistance 30 / 100
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 30 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 33 MJ/kg14,187 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%
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.
1.4901-A vs 1.4901 Q+T — frequently asked
Is 1.4901 Q+T stronger than 1.4901-A?
Yes. 1.4901 Q+T has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 1.4901-A — about 49% more. Tensile strength is 730 MPa (106 ksi) vs 570 MPa (82.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or Q+T?
N+T is the default 1.4901 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor Q+T). 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, 1.4901-A or 1.4901 Q+T?
1.4901-A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 38/100 for 1.4901 Q+T; for welding the order is 1.4901-A first (fair, 50/100) then 1.4901 Q+T (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4901-A and 1.4901 Q+T 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.