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Stainless Steel CA15M-QT315 vs CA15M-QT650

Stainless Steel · CA15M temper comparison

CA15M-QT315 and CA15M-QT650 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CA15M: QT315 versus QT650. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CA15M-QT315 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) for CA15M-QT650, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 1,035 MPa (150 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi). In exchange, CA15M-QT650 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for CA15M-QT315, and CA15M-QT315 is harder (320 HB vs 200 HB). CA15M-QT650 runs hotter in service (650°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, CA15M-QT650 machines more easily (fair vs poor).

CA15M-QT315Choose it when strength drives the design.

CA15M-QT650Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

CA15M-QT315 vs CA15M-QT650: properties

CA15M-QT315CA15M-QT650

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,035 MPa150 ksi
690 MPa100 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

830 MPa120 ksi
490 MPa71.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
25%

Reduction in Area

35%
60%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

430 MPa62.4 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
55 J40.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

320 HB
200 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

34 HRC
17 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

340 HV
210 HV

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 · Compressive Strength 560 MPa81.2 ksi · Shear Strength 450 MPa65.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.61 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

300°C572 °F
650°C1,202 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.2 W/m·K14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.4 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

40 / 100
46 / 100

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

30 / 100
50 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
50%

Same in both: Weldability 40 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCA15M

CA15M-QT315 vs CA15M-QT650 — frequently asked

Is CA15M-QT315 stronger than CA15M-QT650?

Yes. CA15M-QT315 has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) for CA15M-QT650 — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 1,035 MPa (150 ksi) vs 690 MPa (100 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, QT315 or QT650?

NT595 is the default CA15M condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither QT315 nor QT650). 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, CA15M-QT315 or CA15M-QT650?

CA15M-QT650. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (30/100) for CA15M-QT315.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA15M-QT315 and CA15M-QT650 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.