Stainless Steel 1.4558-AW vs 1.4558-CD
Stainless Steel · 1.4558 temper comparison
1.4558-AW and 1.4558-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4558: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4558-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for 1.4558-AW, about 78% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). In exchange, 1.4558-AW is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 22% for 1.4558-CD, and 1.4558-CD is harder (200 HB vs 170 HB). 1.4558-AW runs hotter in service (800°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1.4558-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).
1.4558-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4558-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
1.4558-AW vs 1.4558-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
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 196 GPa28.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.94 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,357°C2,475 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,385°C2,525 °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) 14.4 µm/m·K8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · 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) -0.1 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 90 MJ/kg38,693 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 7 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%
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.
1.4558-AW vs 1.4558-CD — frequently asked
Is 1.4558-CD stronger than 1.4558-AW?
Yes. 1.4558-CD has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for 1.4558-AW — about 78% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
ANN is the default 1.4558 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, 1.4558-AW or 1.4558-CD?
1.4558-CD. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for 1.4558-AW; for welding the order is 1.4558-CD first (very good, 80/100) then 1.4558-AW (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4558-AW and 1.4558-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.