Stainless Steel 334 1/4H vs 334-CD
Stainless Steel · 334 temper comparison
334 1/4H and 334-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 334: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 334 1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 334-CD, about 13% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, 334-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for 334 1/4H, and 334 1/4H is harder (250 HB vs 220 HB).
334 1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
334-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
334 1/4H vs 334-CD: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
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 76 GPa11 Msi · Bulk Modulus 155 GPa22.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.94 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,345°C2,453 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 12.5 W/m·K7.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14.4 µm/m·K8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.02×10⁻⁶ Ω·m40.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V · Corrosion Resistance 60 / 100
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 45 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 8.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
334 1/4H vs 334-CD — frequently asked
Is 334 1/4H stronger than 334-CD?
Yes. 334 1/4H has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 334-CD — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or CD?
Annealed is the default 334 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor CD). 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.
When should I choose 334 1/4H over 334-CD?
Pick 334 1/4H when strength drives the design. Pick 334-CD when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 334 1/4H and 334-CD 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.