Stainless Steel 1.4537-AW vs 1.4537-CD
Stainless Steel · 1.4537 temper comparison
1.4537-AW and 1.4537-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4537: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4537-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 1.4537-AW, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 820 MPa (119 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi). In exchange, 1.4537-AW is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 25% for 1.4537-CD, and 1.4537-CD is harder (250 HB vs 200 HB). 1.4537-AW runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
1.4537-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4537-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4537-AW vs 1.4537-CD: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 195 GPa28.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Bulk Modulus 148 GPa21.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Reduction in Area 45%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,390°C2,534 °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 450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14.5 µm/m·K8.1 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.05 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 62 MJ/kg26,655 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
1.4537-AW vs 1.4537-CD — frequently asked
Is 1.4537-CD stronger than 1.4537-AW?
Yes. 1.4537-CD has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for 1.4537-AW — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 820 MPa (119 ksi) vs 670 MPa (97.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
AT is the default 1.4537 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor CD). 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, 1.4537-AW or 1.4537-CD?
1.4537-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for 1.4537-AW; for welding the order is 1.4537-AW first (very good, 70/100) then 1.4537-CD (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4537-AW and 1.4537-CD 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.