FabDigitFabDigit

Stainless Steel 348 1/4H vs 348 3/4H

Stainless Steel · 348 temper comparison

348 1/4H and 348 3/4H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 348: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus 3/4H (three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 348 3/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for 348 1/4H, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 348 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 6% for 348 3/4H, and 348 3/4H is harder (330 HB vs 260 HB).

348 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

348 3/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.

348 1/4H vs 348 3/4H: properties

348 1/4H348 3/4H

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,200 MPa174 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

570 MPa82.7 ksi
950 MPa138 ksi

Elongation at Break

14%
6%

Reduction in Area

45%
25%

Compressive Strength

570 MPa82.7 ksi
950 MPa138 ksi

Shear Strength

560 MPa81.2 ksi
730 MPa106 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

380 MPa55.1 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

150 MPa·√m137 ksi·√in
100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

80 J59 ft·lbf
35 J25.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

260 HB
330 HB

Hardness, Vickers

275 HV
345 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Hardness, Rockwell B 80 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.96 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,430°C2,606 °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) 16.6 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 425°C797 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.4 % IACS
2.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

60 / 100
58 / 100

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

45 / 100
38 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
42%

Weldability

78 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

50 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 78 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 150 L/kg18 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 55%

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 scale348

348 1/4H vs 348 3/4H — frequently asked

Is 348 3/4H stronger than 348 1/4H?

Yes. 348 3/4H has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for 348 1/4H — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or 3/4H?

Annealed is the default 348 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor 3/4H). 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, 348 1/4H or 348 3/4H?

348 1/4H, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for 348 3/4H.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 348 1/4H and 348 3/4H 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.