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Stainless Steel 301LN 1/2H vs 301LN 3/4H

Stainless Steel · 301LN temper comparison

301LN 1/2H and 301LN 3/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 301LN: 1/2H (half hard) versus 3/4H (three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 301LN 3/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 950 MPa (138 ksi) for 301LN 1/2H, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) vs 1,200 MPa (174 ksi). In exchange, 301LN 1/2H is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 11% for 301LN 3/4H, and 301LN 3/4H is harder (355 HB vs 215 HB).

301LN 1/2HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

301LN 3/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.

301LN 1/2H vs 301LN 3/4H: properties

301LN 1/2H301LN 3/4H

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
195 GPa28.3 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,200 MPa174 ksi
1,330 MPa193 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

950 MPa138 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

16%
11%

Reduction in Area

65%
45%

Shear Strength

460 MPa66.7 ksi
800 MPa116 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

160 MPa·√m146 ksi·√in
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

70 J51.6 ft·lbf
55 J40.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

215 HB
355 HB

Hardness, Vickers

390 HV
440 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Hardness, Rockwell B 88 HRB

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)

300°C572 °F
280°C536 °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 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 280 J/g120 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in
7.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.3 µΩ·in

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

56 / 100
52 / 100

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

30 / 100
25 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

35%
30%

Weldability

65 / 100
60 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 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) 4.3 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 scale301LN

301LN 1/2H vs 301LN 3/4H — frequently asked

Is 301LN 3/4H stronger than 301LN 1/2H?

Yes. 301LN 3/4H has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 950 MPa (138 ksi) for 301LN 1/2H — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) vs 1,200 MPa (174 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or 3/4H?

ANN is the default 301LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H 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 is easier to machine, 301LN 1/2H or 301LN 3/4H?

301LN 1/2H, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for 301LN 3/4H; for welding the order is 301LN 1/2H first (good, 65/100) then 301LN 3/4H (good, 60/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 301LN 1/2H and 301LN 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.