FabDigitFabDigit

Stainless Steel 302HQ Annealed vs 302HQ CW 1/2H

Stainless Steel · 302HQ temper comparison

302HQ Annealed and 302HQ CW 1/2H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 302HQ: Annealed versus CW 1/2H (cold Worked 1/2-Hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 302HQ CW 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for 302HQ Annealed, about 3.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 930 MPa (135 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, 302HQ Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 10% for 302HQ CW 1/2H, and 302HQ CW 1/2H is harder (285 HB vs 140 HB). 302HQ Annealed runs hotter in service (500°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, 302HQ CW 1/2H machines more easily (52 vs 38 out of 100).

302HQ AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

302HQ CW 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

302HQ Annealed vs 302HQ CW 1/2H: properties

302HQ Annealed302HQ CW 1/2H

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

520 MPa75.4 ksi
930 MPa135 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

230 MPa33.4 ksi
720 MPa104 ksi

Elongation at Break

55%
10%

Reduction in Area

72%
45%

Shear Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

150 J111 ft·lbf
55 J40.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

140 HB
285 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

75 HRB
100 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

195 HV
300 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 152 GPa22 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,398°C2,548 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16.2 W/m·K9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.3 µm/m·K9.6 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 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
60 / 100

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

38 / 100
52 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

40%
55%

Weldability

65 / 100
58 / 100

Formability (cold)

98 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 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) 4.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 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 scale302HQ

302HQ Annealed vs 302HQ CW 1/2H — frequently asked

Is 302HQ CW 1/2H stronger than 302HQ Annealed?

Yes. 302HQ CW 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for 302HQ Annealed — about 3.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 930 MPa (135 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or CW 1/2H?

Cold Drawn is the default 302HQ condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Annealed nor CW 1/2H). 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, 302HQ Annealed or 302HQ CW 1/2H?

302HQ CW 1/2H, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 38/100 for 302HQ Annealed; for welding the order is 302HQ Annealed first (good, 65/100) then 302HQ CW 1/2H (good, 58/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 302HQ Annealed and 302HQ CW 1/2H 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.