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Stainless Steel 1.4938 +QT1100

Heat-treated state

EN 1.4938

+QT1100 = quenched and tempered at lower temperature, 1000–1200 MPa

Higher-strength temper for blades, small forgings and fasteners where strength outweighs impact toughness.

High cost $$$$

Values for the +QT1100 condition

Other 1.4938 tempers and conditions

1.4938 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 1.4938.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Annealed
Delivery condition for machining, deep drilling and forging stock before final quench and temper.5207902022 HRC—
Hot rolled
Semi-finished bar or forging supplied without final heat treatment, to be quenched and tempered by the user.7501,0501434 HRC2.8 % IACS
+QTDefault
Quenched and tempered
Standard supply condition for turbine rotors, discs, blades and high-temperature bolting up to ~550 °C.8009801731 HRC—
+QT1100This page
Quenched and tempered at lower temperature, 1000–1200 MPa
Higher-strength temper for blades, small forgings and fasteners where strength outweighs impact toughness.9301,1001436 HRC—

What is 1.4938 +QT1100?

1.4938 +QT1100 is 1.4938 heat treated to +QT1100 — higher-strength temper for blades, small forgings and fasteners where strength outweighs impact toughness. 1.4938 +QT1100 has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 216 GPa (31.3 Msi). 1.4938 +QT1100 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). +QT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; +QT1100 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 930 MPa (135 ksi), better than 98% of stainless steel grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
  • Conducts heat well — 24 W/m·K (13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 81% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited ductility — 14%, worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 44/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
  • Difficult to weld — 30/100, worse than 88% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 80 MPa·√m (72.8 ksi·√in), worse than 79% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited formability — 25/100, worse than 78% of stainless steel grades

1.4938 +QT1100 properties

Typical room-temperature values for 1.4938 +QT1100; 16 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 1.4938 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

1.4938 +QT1100 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).

Density7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,420°C2,588 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,480°C2,696 °F

Mechanical16

1.4938 +QT1100 has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 216 GPa (31.3 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus216 GPa31.3 Msi
Shear Modulus83 GPa12 Msi
Bulk Modulus166 GPa24.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,100 MPa160 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)930 MPa135 ksi
Elongation at Break14%
Reduction in Area50%
Compressive Strength820 MPa119 ksi
Shear Strength590 MPa85.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)500 MPa72.5 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)45 J33.2 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell340 HB
Hardness, Rockwell C36 HRC
Hardness, Vickers355 HV

Thermal6

1.4938 +QT1100 is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 24 W/m·K (13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 81% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.5 µm/m·K (5.83 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity24 W/m·K13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.5 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)500°C932 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

1.4938 +QT1100 conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (44/100), worse than 88% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.3 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair44/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to steam, hot gases and mild atmospheric corrosion up to ~550 °C; attacked by chlorides (pitting/SCC), acids and seawater — not a substitute for austenitic grades.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 1.4938 +QT1100 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.3 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.3 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water190 L/kg22.8 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability8

1.4938 +QT1100's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (25/100).

MachinabilityPoor30/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)32%
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Poor25/100
CastabilityFair40/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair40/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use passivation, nitriding or coatings instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 1.4938 +QT1100

Is 1.4938 easy to machine?

Machine in the +A condition where possible; in +QT use rigid setups, sharp carbide inserts, low speed/high feed and copious coolant — work-hardens and produces stringy chips.

Can 1.4938 be welded?

Weldable with matching 12Cr filler or Ni-base consumables using 250–350 °C preheat, interpass control and a mandatory post-weld temper ~680–700 °C to restore HAZ toughness.

Can 1.4938 be formed, bent or molded?

Hot forge/upset at 1100–850 °C with slow controlled cooling; cold forming is limited to minor straightening because of high strength and low ductility.

What surface finishes work on 1.4938?

Passivate or nitride for wear/erosion; takes a fine polish, but no anodizing — thermal/erosion coatings are common on blade surfaces.

1.4938 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
C0.1 – 0.150.12
Si≤ 0.50.3
Mn0.3 – 0.80.55
Pimpurity≤ 0.03—
Simpurity≤ 0.02—
Cr11 – 12.511.8
Mo1.5 – 21.75
Niraises hardenability and toughness vs 1.49232 – 32.5
Vcarbide former for creep strength0.25 – 0.40.3
Febalance—

1.4938 +QT1100 — frequently asked

What is 1.4938 +QT1100 used for?

1.4938 +QT1100 is typically used for large steam turbine rotors, turbine shafts, high-temperature forged discs and power plant rotating components. In short: tougher than 1.4923; through-hardening rotor steel; 550 °C service limit.

What is the yield strength of 1.4938 +QT1100?

1.4938 +QT1100 has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is 1.4938 +QT1100 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades). Machine in the +A condition where possible; in +QT use rigid setups, sharp carbide inserts, low speed/high feed and copious coolant — work-hardens and produces stringy chips.

Can 1.4938 +QT1100 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Weldable with matching 12Cr filler or Ni-base consumables using 250–350 °C preheat, interpass control and a mandatory post-weld temper ~680–700 °C to restore HAZ toughness.

What surface finishes work on 1.4938 +QT1100?

Passivate or nitride for wear/erosion; takes a fine polish, but no anodizing — thermal/erosion coatings are common on blade surfaces.

Can 1.4938 +QT1100 be formed, bent or molded?

Hot forge/upset at 1100–850 °C with slow controlled cooling; cold forming is limited to minor straightening because of high strength and low ductility.

What is the maximum service temperature of 1.4938 +QT1100?

1.4938 +QT1100 is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. EN 10269 — Steels and nickel alloys for fasteners with specified elevated and/or low temperature properties — CEN (2013)
  2. DIN 17240 / EN 10302 — Creep-resisting steels for bolting and turbine components — DIN / CEN (2008)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. 12% Cr martensitic turbine steel datasheets (Böhler, Aubert & Duval, Saarstahl) — producers (2022)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.