Stainless Steel 316LVM-1/4 Hard vs 316LVM Full Hard
Stainless Steel · 316LVM temper comparison
316LVM-1/4 Hard and 316LVM Full Hard are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 316LVM: 1/4 Hard (quarter hard) versus Full Hard. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 316LVM Full Hard is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 316LVM-1/4 Hard, about 112% more; tensile strength follows at 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, 316LVM-1/4 Hard is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 6% for 316LVM Full Hard, and 316LVM Full Hard is harder (375 HB vs 245 HB). 316LVM-1/4 Hard runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 316LVM-1/4 Hard welds better (very good vs good).
316LVM-1/4 HardChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
316LVM Full HardChoose it when strength drives the design.
316LVM-1/4 Hard vs 316LVM Full Hard: 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.
316LVM-1/4 Hard316LVM Full Hard
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 166 GPa24.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.95 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,390°C2,534 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,440°C2,624 °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 -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.3 % IACS
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 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
316LVM-1/4 Hard vs 316LVM Full Hard — frequently asked
Is 316LVM Full Hard stronger than 316LVM-1/4 Hard?
Yes. 316LVM Full Hard has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for 316LVM-1/4 Hard — about 112% more. Tensile strength is 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4 Hard or Full Hard?
Annealed is the default 316LVM 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, 316LVM-1/4 Hard or 316LVM Full Hard?
316LVM Full Hard, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for 316LVM-1/4 Hard; for welding the order is 316LVM-1/4 Hard first (very good, 75/100) then 316LVM Full Hard (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 316LVM-1/4 Hard and 316LVM 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.