Stainless Steel 1.4981-AW vs 1.4981-CW
Stainless Steel · 1.4981 temper comparison
1.4981-AW and 1.4981-CW are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 1.4981: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1.4981-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 1.4981-AW, about 117% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). In exchange, 1.4981-AW is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 15% for 1.4981-CW, and 1.4981-CW is harder (260 HB vs 185 HB). 1.4981-AW runs hotter in service (675°C vs 550°C continuous).
1.4981-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1.4981-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
1.4981-AW vs 1.4981-CW: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.95 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,430°C2,606 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 14.5 W/m·K8.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m35.4 µΩ·in
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: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 55%
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.
1.4981-AW vs 1.4981-CW — frequently asked
Is 1.4981-CW stronger than 1.4981-AW?
Yes. 1.4981-CW has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 1.4981-AW — about 117% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
AT is the default 1.4981 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor CW). 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.
When should I choose 1.4981-AW over 1.4981-CW?
Pick 1.4981-AW when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 1.4981-CW when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1.4981-AW and 1.4981-CW 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.