Stainless Steel 304LN-CD vs 304LN Solution Annealed
Stainless Steel · 304LN temper comparison
304LN-CD and 304LN Solution Annealed are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 304LN: CD (cold drawn) versus Solution Annealed. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 304LN-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for 304LN Solution Annealed, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, 304LN Solution Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 25% for 304LN-CD, and 304LN-CD is harder (220 HB vs 170 HB). 304LN Solution Annealed runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
304LN-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
304LN Solution AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
304LN-CD vs 304LN Solution 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.
304LN-CD304LN Solution Annealed
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 196 GPa28.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Compressive Strength 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Shear Strength 420 MPa60.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 200 MPa·√m182 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 180 HV
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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 V · Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 88 / 100 · 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-CD vs 304LN Solution Annealed — frequently asked
Is 304LN-CD stronger than 304LN Solution Annealed?
Yes. 304LN-CD has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for 304LN Solution Annealed — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Solution Annealed?
Solution Annealed is the default 304LN condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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-CD or 304LN Solution Annealed?
304LN-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 44/100 against 38/100 for 304LN Solution Annealed.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 304LN-CD and 304LN Solution 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.