Stainless Steel 1.4961 CW-1/2H vs 1.4961-ST
Stainless Steel · 1.4961 temper comparison
1.4961 CW-1/2H and 1.4961-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4961: CW-1/2H (cold Worked, 1/2 Hard strip / sheet) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4961 CW-1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for 1.4961-ST, about 130% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, 1.4961-ST is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 12% for 1.4961 CW-1/2H, and 1.4961 CW-1/2H is harder (280 HB vs 175 HB). 1.4961-ST runs hotter in service (700°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4961-ST welds better (very good vs good).
1.4961 CW-1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4961-STChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4961 CW-1/2H vs 1.4961-ST: 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
Reduction in Area
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
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 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 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 CW-1/2H vs 1.4961-ST — frequently asked
Is 1.4961 CW-1/2H stronger than 1.4961-ST?
Yes. 1.4961 CW-1/2H has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for 1.4961-ST — about 130% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW-1/2H or ST?
SA is the default 1.4961 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CW-1/2H nor ST). 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, 1.4961 CW-1/2H or 1.4961-ST?
1.4961 CW-1/2H, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 44/100 against 38/100 for 1.4961-ST; for welding the order is 1.4961-ST first (very good, 78/100) then 1.4961 CW-1/2H (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4961 CW-1/2H and 1.4961-ST 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.