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Stainless Steel 316Cb-1/4 Hard vs 316Cb Full Hard

Stainless Steel · 316Cb temper comparison

316Cb-1/4 Hard and 316Cb Full Hard are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 316Cb: 1/4 Hard (quarter hard) versus Full Hard. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 316Cb Full Hard is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 316Cb-1/4 Hard, about 80% more; tensile strength follows at 1,320 MPa (191 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 316Cb-1/4 Hard is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 3% for 316Cb Full Hard, and 316Cb Full Hard is harder (385 HB vs 260 HB). On the shop floor, 316Cb-1/4 Hard welds better (very good vs good).

316Cb-1/4 HardChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

316Cb Full HardChoose it when strength drives the design.

316Cb-1/4 Hard vs 316Cb Full Hard: properties

316Cb-1/4 Hard316Cb Full Hard

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,320 MPa191 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

560 MPa81.2 ksi
1,010 MPa146 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
3%

Reduction in Area

50%
25%

Compressive Strength

540 MPa78.3 ksi
980 MPa142 ksi

Shear Strength

540 MPa78.3 ksi
790 MPa115 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

110 J81.1 ft·lbf
35 J25.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

260 HB
385 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

100 HRB
82 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

270 HV
405 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 166 GPa24.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.98 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,375°C2,507 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °F

Thermal

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

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16.3 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) 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 -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

68 / 100
65 / 100

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

38 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

38%
30%

Weldability

80 / 100
65 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
12 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 75 MJ/kg32,244 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 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 scale316Cb

316Cb-1/4 Hard vs 316Cb Full Hard — frequently asked

Is 316Cb Full Hard stronger than 316Cb-1/4 Hard?

Yes. 316Cb Full Hard has a typical yield strength of 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for 316Cb-1/4 Hard — about 80% more. Tensile strength is 1,320 MPa (191 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4 Hard or Full Hard?

Annealed is the default 316Cb condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4 Hard nor Full Hard). 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, 316Cb-1/4 Hard or 316Cb Full Hard?

316Cb-1/4 Hard. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (30/100) for 316Cb Full Hard; for welding the order is 316Cb-1/4 Hard first (very good, 80/100) then 316Cb Full Hard (good, 65/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 316Cb-1/4 Hard and 316Cb Full Hard 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.