Stainless Steel 255 SA+CW vs 255 Solution Annealed
Stainless Steel · 255 temper comparison
255 SA+CW and 255 Solution Annealed are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 255: SA+CW (solution Annealed + Cold Worked) versus Solution Annealed. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 255 SA+CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) for 255 Solution Annealed, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, 255 Solution Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 20% for 255 SA+CW, and 255 SA+CW is harder (310 HB vs 265 HB).
255 SA+CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
255 Solution AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
255 SA+CW vs 255 Solution Annealed: 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.
255 SA+CW255 Solution Annealed
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Compressive Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Shear Strength 510 MPa74 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 280 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.81 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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 13.5 W/m·K7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V · Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Weldability 70 / 100 · Castability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%
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.
255 SA+CW vs 255 Solution Annealed — frequently asked
Is 255 SA+CW stronger than 255 Solution Annealed?
Yes. 255 SA+CW has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) for 255 Solution Annealed — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, SA+CW or Solution Annealed?
Solution Annealed is the default 255 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.
When should I choose 255 SA+CW over 255 Solution Annealed?
Pick 255 SA+CW when strength drives the design. Pick 255 Solution Annealed when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 255 SA+CW and 255 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.