Stainless Steel SUH3-A vs SUH3-QT
Stainless Steel · SUH3 temper comparison
SUH3-A and SUH3-QT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, SUH3: A (solution annealed) versus QT (quenched and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SUH3-QT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for SUH3-A, about 42% more; tensile strength follows at 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, SUH3-A is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for SUH3-QT, and SUH3-QT is harder (295 HB vs 240 HB). SUH3-QT runs hotter in service (800°C vs 700°C continuous). On the shop floor, SUH3-A machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
SUH3-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
SUH3-QTChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
SUH3-A vs SUH3-QT: 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
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 213 GPa30.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 82 GPa11.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 470 MPa68.2 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 310 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,470°C2,678 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 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 2.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 90 L/kg10.8 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.
SUH3-A vs SUH3-QT — frequently asked
Is SUH3-QT stronger than SUH3-A?
Yes. SUH3-QT has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for SUH3-A — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or QT?
QT is the default SUH3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, SUH3-A or SUH3-QT?
SUH3-A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for SUH3-QT.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SUH3-A and SUH3-QT 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.