Stainless Steel 430FSe-CD vs 430FSe Q&T
Stainless Steel · 430FSe temper comparison
430FSe-CD and 430FSe Q&T are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 430FSe: CD (cold drawn) versus Q&T (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 430FSe Q&T is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 430FSe-CD, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi). In exchange, 430FSe-CD is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 430FSe Q&T, and 430FSe Q&T is harder (250 HB vs 215 HB). 430FSe-CD runs hotter in service (700°C vs 550°C continuous). On the shop floor, 430FSe-CD machines more easily (very good vs fair).
430FSe-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
430FSe Q&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
430FSe-CD vs 430FSe Q&T: 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 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.4 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 72 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 52 MJ/kg22,356 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 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.
430FSe-CD vs 430FSe Q&T — frequently asked
Is 430FSe Q&T stronger than 430FSe-CD?
Yes. 430FSe Q&T has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for 430FSe-CD — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Q&T?
A is the default 430FSe condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor Q&T). 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, 430FSe-CD or 430FSe Q&T?
430FSe-CD. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (48/100) for 430FSe Q&T; for welding the order is 430FSe-CD first (poor, 18/100) then 430FSe Q&T (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 430FSe-CD and 430FSe Q&T 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.