Stainless Steel 317LMN-AW vs 317LMN-CD
Stainless Steel · 317LMN temper comparison
317LMN-AW and 317LMN-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 317LMN: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 317LMN-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 317LMN-AW, about 57% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). In exchange, 317LMN-AW is the more ductile: elongation 33% versus 25% for 317LMN-CD, and 317LMN-CD is harder (220 HB vs 180 HB). On the shop floor, 317LMN-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).
317LMN-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
317LMN-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
317LMN-AW vs 317LMN-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 152 GPa22 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 50%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,375°C2,507 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2 % IACS
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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
317LMN-AW vs 317LMN-CD — frequently asked
Is 317LMN-CD stronger than 317LMN-AW?
Yes. 317LMN-CD has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 317LMN-AW — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
Annealed is the default 317LMN 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, 317LMN-AW or 317LMN-CD?
317LMN-CD. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for 317LMN-AW; for welding the order is 317LMN-CD first (very good, 80/100) then 317LMN-AW (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 317LMN-AW and 317LMN-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.