Stainless Steel 1.4961-CD vs 1.4961 CW-1/4H
Stainless Steel · 1.4961 temper comparison
1.4961-CD and 1.4961 CW-1/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4961: CD (cold drawn) versus CW-1/4H (cold Worked, 1/4 Hard strip / sheet). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4961 CW-1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for 1.4961-CD, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, 1.4961-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 20% for 1.4961 CW-1/4H, and 1.4961 CW-1/4H is harder (240 HB vs 220 HB). 1.4961-CD runs hotter in service (600°C vs 400°C continuous).
1.4961-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4961 CW-1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4961-CD vs 1.4961 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 45%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 V · Corrosion Resistance 58 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 45% · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
1.4961-CD vs 1.4961 CW-1/4H — frequently asked
Is 1.4961 CW-1/4H stronger than 1.4961-CD?
Yes. 1.4961 CW-1/4H has a typical yield strength of 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for 1.4961-CD — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CW-1/4H?
SA is the default 1.4961 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor CW-1/4H). 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.
When should I choose 1.4961-CD over 1.4961 CW-1/4H?
Pick 1.4961-CD when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 1.4961 CW-1/4H when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4961-CD and 1.4961 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.