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Stainless Steel 201LN 1/4H vs 201LN 3/4H

Stainless Steel · 201LN temper comparison

201LN 1/4H and 201LN 3/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 201LN: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus 3/4H (three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 201LN 3/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 201LN 1/4H, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, 201LN 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for 201LN 3/4H, and 201LN 3/4H is harder (345 HB vs 275 HB). On the shop floor, 201LN 1/4H welds better (very good vs good).

201LN 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

201LN 3/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.

201LN 1/4H vs 201LN 3/4H: properties

201LN 1/4H201LN 3/4H

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

197 GPa28.6 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

950 MPa138 ksi
1,250 MPa181 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
980 MPa142 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
12%

Reduction in Area

65%
40%

Compressive Strength

390 MPa56.6 ksi
1,000 MPa145 ksi

Shear Strength

600 MPa87 ksi
750 MPa109 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

400 MPa58 ksi
470 MPa68.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

180 MPa·√m164 ksi·√in
90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

70 J51.6 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

275 HB
345 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

102 HRB
90 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

290 HV
370 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 150 GPa21.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

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)

315°C599 °F
290°C554 °F

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.

Electrical Conductivity

2.5 % IACS
2.4 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.2 µΩ·in
7.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.12 V · Corrosion Resistance 50 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

36 / 100
40 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

42%
45%

Weldability

70 / 100
60 / 100

Formability (cold)

50 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: 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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale201LN

201LN 1/4H vs 201LN 3/4H — frequently asked

Is 201LN 3/4H stronger than 201LN 1/4H?

Yes. 201LN 3/4H has a typical yield strength of 980 MPa (142 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for 201LN 1/4H — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or 3/4H?

ANN is the default 201LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor 3/4H). 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 1/4H or 201LN 3/4H?

201LN 1/4H. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for 201LN 3/4H.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 201LN 1/4H and 201LN 3/4H 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.