Stainless Steel 304LN 1/4H vs 304LN Annealed
Stainless Steel · 304LN temper comparison
304LN 1/4H and 304LN Annealed are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 304LN: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus Annealed. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 304LN 1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 304LN Annealed, about 72% more; tensile strength follows at 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, 304LN Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 52% versus 12% for 304LN 1/4H, and 304LN 1/4H is harder (260 HB vs 165 HB). 304LN Annealed runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
304LN 1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
304LN AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
304LN 1/4H vs 304LN Annealed: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: 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.
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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °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).
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 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 Annealed — frequently asked
Is 304LN 1/4H stronger than 304LN Annealed?
Yes. 304LN 1/4H has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 304LN Annealed — about 72% more. Tensile strength is 880 MPa (128 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or Annealed?
Solution Annealed is the default 304LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor Annealed). 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, 304LN 1/4H or 304LN Annealed?
304LN Annealed. Its weldability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (80/100) for 304LN 1/4H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 304LN 1/4H and 304LN Annealed 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.