Stainless Steel 17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH CD-A
Stainless Steel · 17-6PH temper comparison
17-6PH-A and 17-6PH CD-A are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 17-6PH: A (solution annealed) versus CD-A (cold drawn, Condition A). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 17-6PH CD-A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for 17-6PH-A, about 41% more; tensile strength follows at 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, 17-6PH-A is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 6% for 17-6PH CD-A, and 17-6PH CD-A is harder (370 HB vs 285 HB). 17-6PH-A runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 17-6PH-A welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
17-6PH-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
17-6PH CD-AChoose it when strength drives the design.
17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH CD-A: 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 C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -75°C-103 °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) -0.25 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) 56 MJ/kg24,076 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 210 L/kg25.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH CD-A — frequently asked
Is 17-6PH CD-A stronger than 17-6PH-A?
Yes. 17-6PH CD-A has a typical yield strength of 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for 17-6PH-A — about 41% more. Tensile strength is 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD-A?
A is the default 17-6PH condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 17-6PH-A or 17-6PH CD-A?
17-6PH-A. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (30/100) for 17-6PH CD-A; for welding the order is 17-6PH-A first (fair, 45/100) then 17-6PH CD-A (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 17-6PH-A and 17-6PH CD-A 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.