Stainless Steel 304LN 1/4H vs 304LN 3/4H
Stainless Steel · 304LN temper comparison
304LN 1/4H and 304LN 3/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 304LN: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus 3/4H (three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 304LN 3/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 960 MPa (139 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 304LN 1/4H, about 75% more; tensile strength follows at 1,230 MPa (178 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi). In exchange, 304LN 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 5% for 304LN 3/4H, and 304LN 3/4H is harder (350 HB vs 260 HB). On the shop floor, 304LN 1/4H welds better (very good vs good).
304LN 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
304LN 3/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
304LN 1/4H vs 304LN 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
304LN 1/4H vs 304LN 3/4H — frequently asked
Is 304LN 3/4H stronger than 304LN 1/4H?
Yes. 304LN 3/4H has a typical yield strength of 960 MPa (139 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 304LN 1/4H — about 75% more. Tensile strength is 1,230 MPa (178 ksi) vs 880 MPa (128 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or 3/4H?
Solution Annealed is the default 304LN 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 is easier to machine, 304LN 1/4H or 304LN 3/4H?
304LN 1/4H, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 34/100 against 26/100 for 304LN 3/4H; for welding the order is 304LN 1/4H first (very good, 80/100) then 304LN 3/4H (good, 66/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 304LN 1/4H and 304LN 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.