Stainless Steel 442 1/4H vs 442 Stress-relieved
Stainless Steel · 442 temper comparison
442 1/4H and 442 Stress-relieved are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 442: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus Stress-relieved. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 442 1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 442 Stress-relieved, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 535 MPa (77.6 ksi). In exchange, 442 Stress-relieved is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 10% for 442 1/4H, and 442 1/4H is harder (220 HB vs 170 HB). 442 Stress-relieved runs hotter in service (1,035°C vs 425°C continuous).
442 1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.
442 Stress-relievedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
442 1/4H vs 442 Stress-relieved: 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 0.29
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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 20.9 W/m·K12.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m24.8 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%
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.
442 1/4H vs 442 Stress-relieved — frequently asked
Is 442 1/4H stronger than 442 Stress-relieved?
Yes. 442 1/4H has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 442 Stress-relieved — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 535 MPa (77.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or Stress-relieved?
Annealed is the default 442 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/4H nor Stress-relieved). 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 442 1/4H over 442 Stress-relieved?
Pick 442 1/4H when strength drives the design. Pick 442 Stress-relieved when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 442 1/4H and 442 Stress-relieved 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.