Stainless Steel 201LN 1/2H vs 201LN 1/4H
Stainless Steel · 201LN temper comparison
201LN 1/2H and 201LN 1/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 201LN: 1/2H (half hard) versus 1/4H (quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 201LN 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 201LN 1/4H, about 34% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, 201LN 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for 201LN 1/2H, and 201LN 1/2H is harder (310 HB vs 275 HB).
201LN 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
201LN 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
201LN 1/2H vs 201LN 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.
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 197 GPa28.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 150 GPa21.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 65% · Compressive Strength 390 MPa56.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 180 MPa·√m164 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 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 16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.9 µm/m·K9.4 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 2.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.12 V
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 %) 42% · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 45 MJ/kg19,347 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 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.
201LN 1/2H vs 201LN 1/4H — frequently asked
Is 201LN 1/2H stronger than 201LN 1/4H?
Yes. 201LN 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 201LN 1/4H — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or 1/4H?
ANN is the default 201LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H nor 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.
Which welds better, 201LN 1/2H or 201LN 1/4H?
201LN 1/4H. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for 201LN 1/2H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 201LN 1/2H and 201LN 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.