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Stainless Steel 12Kh18N12M3TL-F vs 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST

Stainless Steel · 12Kh18N12M3TL temper comparison

12Kh18N12M3TL-F and 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 12Kh18N12M3TL: F (as fabricated) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 12Kh18N12M3TL-F, about 6% more. 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 20% for 12Kh18N12M3TL-F, and 12Kh18N12M3TL-F is harder (180 HB vs 170 HB). 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST runs hotter in service (600°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST welds better (very good vs good).

12Kh18N12M3TL-STChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

12Kh18N12M3TL-F vs 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST: properties

12Kh18N12M3TL-F12Kh18N12M3TL-ST

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
500 MPa72.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
245 MPa35.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
32%

Reduction in Area

25%
40%

Compressive Strength

255 MPa37 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Shear Strength

330 MPa47.9 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

175 MPa25.4 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in
150 MPa·√m137 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

180 HB
170 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

88 HRB
86 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

190 HV
180 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 195 GPa28.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3

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)

500°C932 °F
600°C1,112 °F

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 2.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

62 / 100
72 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

28 / 100
32 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

35%
40%

Weldability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 65%

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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale12Kh18N12M3TL

12Kh18N12M3TL-F vs 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST — frequently asked

Is 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST stronger than 12Kh18N12M3TL-F?

Yes. 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST has a typical tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) for 12Kh18N12M3TL-F — about 6% more.

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or ST?

ST is the default 12Kh18N12M3TL condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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 welds better, 12Kh18N12M3TL-F or 12Kh18N12M3TL-ST?

12Kh18N12M3TL-ST. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for 12Kh18N12M3TL-F.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12Kh18N12M3TL-F and 12Kh18N12M3TL-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.