Stainless Steel 1.4903 +A vs 1.4903 +QT
Stainless Steel · 1.4903 temper comparison
1.4903 +A and 1.4903 +QT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4903: +A (annealed) versus +QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4903 +QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 1.4903 +A, about 37% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). In exchange, 1.4903 +A is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 21% for 1.4903 +QT, and 1.4903 +QT is harder (230 HB vs 180 HB). 1.4903 +QT runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4903 +A machines more easily (48 vs 35 out of 100).
1.4903 +AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1.4903 +QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
1.4903 +A vs 1.4903 +QT: 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 175 GPa25.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.77 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,450°C2,642 °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 480 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 265 J/g114 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
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) -0.45 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 35 / 100 · Polishability 62 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 35 MJ/kg15,047 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
1.4903 +A vs 1.4903 +QT — frequently asked
Is 1.4903 +QT stronger than 1.4903 +A?
Yes. 1.4903 +QT has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 1.4903 +A — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, +A or +QT?
+NT is the default 1.4903 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither +A nor +QT). 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, 1.4903 +A or 1.4903 +QT?
1.4903 +A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 48/100 against 35/100 for 1.4903 +QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4903 +A and 1.4903 +QT 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.