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Stainless Steel 254 SMO-CD vs 254 SMO Solution Annealed

Stainless Steel · 254 SMO temper comparison

254 SMO-CD and 254 SMO Solution Annealed are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 254 SMO: CD (cold drawn) versus Solution Annealed. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 254 SMO-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 254 SMO Solution Annealed, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, 254 SMO Solution Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 25% for 254 SMO-CD, and 254 SMO-CD is harder (260 HB vs 190 HB). 254 SMO Solution Annealed runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).

254 SMO-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.

254 SMO Solution AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

254 SMO-CD vs 254 SMO Solution Annealed: properties

254 SMO-CD254 SMO Solution Annealed

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

850 MPa123 ksi
700 MPa102 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
45%

Reduction in Area

50%
65%

Compressive Strength

620 MPa89.9 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Shear Strength

510 MPa74 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

360 MPa52.2 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

170 MPa·√m155 ksi·√in
220 MPa·√m200 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

120 J88.5 ft·lbf
200 J148 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

260 HB
190 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

100 HRB
90 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

272 HV
200 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 195 GPa28.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 8 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,325°C2,417 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,390°C2,534 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · 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

84 / 100
86 / 100

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

27 / 100
25 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

33%
30%

Weldability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

40 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale254 SMO

254 SMO-CD vs 254 SMO Solution Annealed — frequently asked

Is 254 SMO-CD stronger than 254 SMO Solution Annealed?

Yes. 254 SMO-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 254 SMO Solution Annealed — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Solution Annealed?

Solution Annealed is the default 254 SMO 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 welds better, 254 SMO-CD or 254 SMO Solution Annealed?

254 SMO Solution Annealed. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for 254 SMO-CD.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 254 SMO-CD and 254 SMO Solution Annealed 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.