Stainless Steel 316C16-AC vs 316C16-AW
Stainless Steel · 316C16 temper comparison
316C16-AC and 316C16-AW are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 316C16: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus AW (as-welded deposit). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 265 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus as-welded deposit). 316C16-AW is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 32% for 316C16-AC.
316C16-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
316C16-AC vs 316C16-AW: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Hardness, Brinell 160 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 84 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 168 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.95 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,390°C2,534 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,440°C2,624 °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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.1 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 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 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
316C16-AC vs 316C16-AW — frequently asked
What is the difference between 316C16-AC and 316C16-AW?
316C16-AC and 316C16-AW are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 316C16: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus AW (as-welded deposit). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 265 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus as-welded deposit).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or AW?
SA is the default 316C16 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AC nor AW). 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 316C16-AC over 316C16-AW?
Pick 316C16-AW when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 316C16-AC and 316C16-AW 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.