Stainless Steel 253 MA-AW vs 253 MA-CD
Stainless Steel · 253 MA temper comparison
253 MA-AW and 253 MA-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 253 MA: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 253 MA-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 253 MA-AW, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, 253 MA-AW is the more ductile: elongation 32% versus 25% for 253 MA-CD, and 253 MA-CD is harder (250 HB vs 195 HB).
253 MA-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
253 MA-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
253 MA-AW vs 253 MA-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 55 J40.6 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,370°C2,498 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,425°C2,597 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,100°C2,012 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.5 µΩ·in
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 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 56 MJ/kg24,076 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 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.
253 MA-AW vs 253 MA-CD — frequently asked
Is 253 MA-CD stronger than 253 MA-AW?
Yes. 253 MA-CD has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for 253 MA-AW — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
Annealed is the default 253 MA 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, 253 MA-AW or 253 MA-CD?
253 MA-CD. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against poor (34/100) for 253 MA-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 253 MA-AW and 253 MA-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.