Stainless Steel AM-355-A vs AM-355 SCT850
Stainless Steel · AM-355 temper comparison
AM-355-A and AM-355 SCT850 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, AM-355: A (solution annealed) versus SCT850. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AM-355 SCT850 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for AM-355-A, about 138% more; tensile strength follows at 1,275 MPa (185 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi). In exchange, AM-355-A is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 17% for AM-355 SCT850, and AM-355 SCT850 is harder (375 HB vs 250 HB). On the shop floor, AM-355-A machines more easily (fair vs poor) and AM-355-A welds better (50 vs 35 out of 100).
AM-355-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
AM-355 SCT850Choose it when strength drives the design.
AM-355-A vs AM-355 SCT850: 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
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 0.29 · Compressive Strength 1,100 MPa160 ksi · Shear Strength 790 MPa115 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 395 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.91 g/cm³0.29 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16.3 W/m·K9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.6 µm/m·K6.4 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 2.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 150 L/kg18 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
AM-355-A vs AM-355 SCT850 — frequently asked
Is AM-355 SCT850 stronger than AM-355-A?
Yes. AM-355 SCT850 has a typical yield strength of 1,070 MPa (155 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for AM-355-A — about 138% more. Tensile strength is 1,275 MPa (185 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or SCT850?
SCT850 is the default AM-355 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 is easier to machine, AM-355-A or AM-355 SCT850?
AM-355-A. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (22/100) for AM-355 SCT850; for welding the order is AM-355-A first (fair, 50/100) then AM-355 SCT850 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM-355-A and AM-355 SCT850 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.