Stainless Steel SUS431-H vs SUS431 QT-38HRC
Stainless Steel · SUS431 temper comparison
SUS431-H and SUS431 QT-38HRC are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, SUS431: H (hardened) versus QT-38HRC (Q&T low-temper). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. SUS431-H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) for SUS431 QT-38HRC, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 1,250 MPa (181 ksi). In exchange, SUS431 QT-38HRC is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for SUS431-H, and SUS431-H is harder (415 HB vs 353 HB). SUS431 QT-38HRC runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, SUS431 QT-38HRC machines more easily (25 vs 15 out of 100) and SUS431 QT-38HRC welds better (poor vs not recommended).
SUS431-HChoose it when strength drives the design.
SUS431 QT-38HRCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
SUS431-H vs SUS431 QT-38HRC: 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
Compressive Strength
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 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.
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) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 130 L/kg15.6 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.
SUS431-H vs SUS431 QT-38HRC — frequently asked
Is SUS431-H stronger than SUS431 QT-38HRC?
Yes. SUS431-H has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) for SUS431 QT-38HRC — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 1,250 MPa (181 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H or QT-38HRC?
QT800 is the default SUS431 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H nor QT-38HRC). 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, SUS431-H or SUS431 QT-38HRC?
SUS431 QT-38HRC, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 15/100 for SUS431-H; for welding the order is SUS431 QT-38HRC first (poor, 25/100) then SUS431-H (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SUS431-H and SUS431 QT-38HRC 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.