Stainless Steel 304N-CD vs 304N-FH
Stainless Steel · 304N temper comparison
304N-CD and 304N-FH are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 304N: CD (cold drawn) versus FH (full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 304N-FH is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 304N-CD, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) vs 790 MPa (115 ksi). In exchange, 304N-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 4% for 304N-FH, and 304N-FH is harder (380 HB vs 235 HB). 304N-CD runs hotter in service (350°C vs 290°C continuous). On the shop floor, 304N-CD welds better (very good vs good).
304N-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
304N-FHChoose it when strength drives the design.
304N-CD vs 304N-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 320 MPa46.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 210 MPa·√m191 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 160 J118 ft·lbf
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 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 7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 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: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 65%
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.
304N-CD vs 304N-FH — frequently asked
Is 304N-FH stronger than 304N-CD?
Yes. 304N-FH has a typical yield strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) for 304N-CD — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 1,330 MPa (193 ksi) vs 790 MPa (115 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or FH?
ANN is the default 304N condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD 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, 304N-CD or 304N-FH?
304N-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 43/100 against 38/100 for 304N-FH; for welding the order is 304N-CD first (very good, 80/100) then 304N-FH (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 304N-CD and 304N-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.