Stainless Steel 436-1/2 Hard
Supply condition
AISI/SAE 436 · UNS S43600 · EN 1.4526, X6CrMoNb17-1 · JIS SUS436, SUS436L
1/2 Hard = half hard
For flat springs, clips and stiff panels formed only by simple bends.
Values for the 1/2 Hard condition
Other 436 tempers and conditions
436 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 436.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault bright/box annealed, softest condition (2B, BA, 2D sheet; annealed bar) | Default stocked condition for deep-drawn trim, panels and formed parts needing maximum ductility. | 365 | 530 | 30 | 175 HB | — |
1/4 Hard | Pick when flatness and modest springback stiffness are wanted with some remaining bendability. | 480 | 620 | 15 | 13 HRC | 2.9 % IACS |
cold-drawn/cold-finished bar and wire | Choose for machined bar parts and fasteners where straightness, tolerance and higher yield matter. | 550 | 655 | 14 | 16 HRC | 2.9 % IACS |
1/2 HardThis page Half hard | For flat springs, clips and stiff panels formed only by simple bends. | 585 | 725 | 8 | 22 HRC | 2.9 % IACS |
What is 436-1/2 Hard?
436-1/2 Hard is 436 supplied in the 1/2 Hard condition — for flat springs, clips and stiff panels formed only by simple bends. 436-1/2 Hard has a yield strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 86% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 436-1/2 Hard has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; 1/2 Hard is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 52/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- High strength — 585 MPa (84.8 ksi), better than 86% of stainless steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 83% of stainless steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 23.9 W/m·K (13.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 99% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 315°C (599 °F), worse than 85% of stainless steel grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 46/100, worse than 82% of stainless steel grades
436-1/2 Hard properties
Typical room-temperature values for 436-1/2 Hard; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 436 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
436-1/2 Hard has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical14
436-1/2 Hard has a yield strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 86% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal5
436-1/2 Hard is rated for continuous service to 315°C (599 °F). It conducts heat at 23.9 W/m·K (13.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.4 µm/m·K (5.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
436-1/2 Hard has an electrical resistivity of 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (46/100), worse than 82% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 436-1/2 Hard takes about 48 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
436-1/2 Hard's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (58/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 436-1/2 Hard
Is 436 easy to machine?
Machines like 430/434 — gummy, work-hardens lightly; use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, generous coolant and ~55% of 1212 speeds.
Can 436 be welded?
Nb stabilisation limits sensitisation, so GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding of thin gauge is practical; keep heat input low to avoid HAZ grain coarsening and use 430Nb/309L filler when strength/ductility is critical.
Can 436 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good deep-drawability with low ridging/roping thanks to Nb; springback higher and stretch-formability lower than austenitic 304, so allow larger bend radii.
What surface finishes work on 436?
Takes a bright polish for automotive trim (BA finish common); passivate or electropolish after machining/welding, never anodise.
436 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.12 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Mo | 0.75 – 1.25 | 1 |
| Nb+Tastabilising addition, typically ≥5×C | ≤ 0.75 | 0.45 |
| Niresidual, where specified | ≤ 0.75 | 0.3 |
| Fe | balance | — |
436-1/2 Hard — frequently asked
What is 436-1/2 Hard used for?
436-1/2 Hard is typically used for automotive exhaust systems and mufflers, bright trim mouldings, appliance panels and drums, heat exchanger and hot-water components, deep-drawn cookware and catering parts and roofing and architectural sheet. In short: bright-trim ferritic stainless.
What is the yield strength of 436-1/2 Hard?
436-1/2 Hard has a typical yield strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 86% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is 436-1/2 Hard easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades). Machines like 430/434 — gummy, work-hardens lightly; use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, generous coolant and ~55% of 1212 speeds.
Can 436-1/2 Hard be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (58/100). Nb stabilisation limits sensitisation, so GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding of thin gauge is practical; keep heat input low to avoid HAZ grain coarsening and use 430Nb/309L filler when strength/ductility is critical.
What surface finishes work on 436-1/2 Hard?
Takes a bright polish for automotive trim (BA finish common); passivate or electropolish after machining/welding, never anodise.
Can 436-1/2 Hard be formed, bent or molded?
Very good deep-drawability with low ridging/roping thanks to Nb; springback higher and stretch-formability lower than austenitic 304, so allow larger bend radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 436-1/2 Hard?
436-1/2 Hard is rated for continuous use to about 315°C (599 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 436-1/2 Hard?
Yes — 436-1/2 Hard is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A176 — Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16: Machining — ASM International (1989)
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.