Stainless Steel 301L 1/4H vs 301L 3/4H
Stainless Steel · 301L temper comparison
301L 1/4H and 301L 3/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 301L: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus 3/4H (three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 301L 3/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 301L 1/4H, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 1,120 MPa (162 ksi) vs 870 MPa (126 ksi). In exchange, 301L 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for 301L 3/4H, and 301L 3/4H is harder (360 HV vs 280 HV). 301L 1/4H runs hotter in service (340°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 301L 1/4H welds better (very good vs good).
301L 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
301L 3/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
301L 1/4H vs 301L 3/4H: 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)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.27 · Reduction in Area 65% · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 200 MPa·√m182 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 150 J111 ft·lbf · Hardness, Brinell 165 HB
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 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 140 L/kg16.8 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.
301L 1/4H vs 301L 3/4H — frequently asked
Is 301L 3/4H stronger than 301L 1/4H?
Yes. 301L 3/4H has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for 301L 1/4H — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 1,120 MPa (162 ksi) vs 870 MPa (126 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or 3/4H?
ANN is the default 301L 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, 301L 1/4H or 301L 3/4H?
301L 1/4H. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for 301L 3/4H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 301L 1/4H and 301L 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.