Stainless Steel CA15M vs CA28MWV
Stainless Steel · grade comparison
Stainless Steel CA15M and CA28MWV are both stainless steel grades. CA28MWV is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CA15M, about 38% more; tensile strength follows at 1,035 MPa (150 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi). In exchange, CA15M is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 13% for CA28MWV, and CA28MWV is harder (302 HB vs 225 HB). CA15M runs hotter in service (650°C vs 593°C continuous). On the shop floor, CA15M machines more easily (fair vs poor) and CA15M welds better (fair vs poor).
CA15MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CA28MWVChoose it when strength drives the design.
CA15M vs CA28MWV: 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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
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
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 10 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | CA15M | CA28MWV |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 7 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Pickling, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CA15M vs CA28MWV — frequently asked
Is CA28MWV stronger than CA15M?
Yes. CA28MWV has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CA15M — about 38% more. Tensile strength is 1,035 MPa (150 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CA15M or CA28MWV?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CA15M or CA28MWV?
CA15M. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for CA28MWV; for welding the order is CA15M first (fair, 40/100) then CA28MWV (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA15M and CA28MWV 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.