Stainless Steel CA15M vs CA6N
Stainless Steel · grade comparison
Stainless Steel CA15M and CA6N are both stainless steel grades. CA6N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CA15M, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi). In exchange, CA15M is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 19% for CA6N, and CA6N is harder (300 HB vs 225 HB). CA15M runs hotter in service (650°C vs 400°C continuous) and CA15M conducts electricity better (3 % IACS vs 2.2 % IACS). On the shop floor, CA15M machines more easily (fair vs poor) and CA6N welds better (good vs fair).
CA15MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CA6NChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
CA15M vs CA6N: 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.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Reduction in Area 55%
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°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
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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 | CA6N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CA6N — frequently asked
Is CA6N stronger than CA15M?
Yes. CA6N has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for CA15M — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) vs 725 MPa (105 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CA15M or CA6N?
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 CA6N?
CA15M. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (32/100) for CA6N; for welding the order is CA6N first (good, 62/100) then CA15M (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA15M and CA6N 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.