Stainless Steel SUH3-HR vs SUH3 QT+NIT
Stainless Steel · SUH3 temper comparison
SUH3-HR and SUH3 QT+NIT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, SUH3: HR (hot rolled) versus QT+NIT (Q&T + gas/salt-bath nitrided stem). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SUH3 QT+NIT is the stronger of the two: yield strength 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for SUH3-HR, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, SUH3-HR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 16% for SUH3 QT+NIT, and SUH3 QT+NIT is harder (295 HB vs 270 HB). SUH3-HR runs hotter in service (800°C vs 700°C continuous). On the shop floor, SUH3-HR machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and SUH3-HR welds better (poor vs not recommended).
SUH3-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SUH3 QT+NITChoose it when strength drives the design.
SUH3-HR vs SUH3 QT+NIT: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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
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).
Corrosion Resistance
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: 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-HR vs SUH3 QT+NIT — frequently asked
Is SUH3 QT+NIT stronger than SUH3-HR?
Yes. SUH3 QT+NIT has a typical yield strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for SUH3-HR — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 1,010 MPa (146 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, HR or QT+NIT?
QT is the default SUH3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither HR nor QT+NIT). 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-HR or SUH3 QT+NIT?
SUH3-HR. Its machinability rates fair (36/100) against not recommended (10/100) for SUH3 QT+NIT; for welding the order is SUH3-HR first (poor, 25/100) then SUH3 QT+NIT (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SUH3-HR and SUH3 QT+NIT 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.