Stainless Steel CA15-AC vs CA15-H
Stainless Steel · CA15 temper comparison
CA15-AC and CA15-H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CA15: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus H (hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CA15-H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for CA15-AC, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, CA15-AC is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for CA15-H, and CA15-H is harder (430 HB vs 300 HB). CA15-AC runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, CA15-AC machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and CA15-AC welds better (25 vs 15 out of 100).
CA15-ACChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CA15-HChoose it when strength drives the design.
CA15-AC vs CA15-H: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.61 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,480°C2,696 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,530°C2,786 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24 W/m·K13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -29°C-20 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 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 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 40 MJ/kg17,197 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 180 L/kg21.6 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.
CA15-AC vs CA15-H — frequently asked
Is CA15-H stronger than CA15-AC?
Yes. CA15-H has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for CA15-AC — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or H?
NT650 is the default CA15 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AC nor H). 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, CA15-AC or CA15-H?
CA15-AC. Its machinability rates poor (28/100) against not recommended (12/100) for CA15-H; for welding the order is CA15-AC first (poor, 25/100) then CA15-H (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA15-AC and CA15-H 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.