Stainless Steel 301LN 1/4H vs 301LN-FH
Stainless Steel · 301LN temper comparison
301LN 1/4H and 301LN-FH are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 301LN: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus FH (full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 301LN-FH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for 301LN 1/4H, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 1,050 MPa (152 ksi). In exchange, 301LN 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 8% for 301LN-FH, and 301LN-FH is harder (480 HV vs 330 HV). 301LN 1/4H runs hotter in service (300°C vs 260°C continuous). On the shop floor, 301LN 1/4H machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 301LN 1/4H welds better (very good vs good).
301LN 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
301LN-FHChoose it when strength drives the design.
301LN 1/4H vs 301LN-FH: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Reduction in Area 65% · Shear Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 160 MPa·√m146 ksi·√in · Hardness, Brinell 215 HB · 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)
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 V · Corrosion Resistance 56 / 100
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 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.
301LN 1/4H vs 301LN-FH — frequently asked
Is 301LN-FH stronger than 301LN 1/4H?
Yes. 301LN-FH has a typical yield strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for 301LN 1/4H — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 1,050 MPa (152 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or FH?
ANN is the default 301LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor FH). 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 1/4H or 301LN-FH?
301LN 1/4H. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for 301LN-FH; for welding the order is 301LN 1/4H first (very good, 70/100) then 301LN-FH (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 301LN 1/4H and 301LN-FH 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.